The RiverFront, the 72-acre downtown park managed by the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), has welcomed 10 million visitors since Gene Leahy Mall reopened on July 1, 2022. The total makes the park one of the most-used public spaces in downtown Omaha.
10 Million Visits to a Downtown Omaha Park
“The RiverFront has quickly become a point of pride for our community and a must-see destination for all those coming to Omaha,” said Adam Straight, MECA President and CEO. “As stewards of The RiverFront for the Omaha community, MECA looks forward to caring for the parks for the next 10 million visitors and continuing to find ways to activate all 72 acres of the parks to ensure everyone, of all ages and walks of life, has the opportunity to make memories at The RiverFront.”
Meet the 10 Millionth Visitor
Before the fourth annual One Community Cultural Festival: Sounds of the City with the Omaha Symphony, Straight named one park patron and her family the honorary 10 millionth visitor. The family received a year of free skate rentals, a swag bag and a remote-controlled boat for the Boat Cove.
The Everyday Visits Behind the Number
Large events contributed, but daily routines built the total. Lunch breaks, dog walks, play dates, first dates, workouts and skating keep the park busy year-round. It sits between the historic Old Market and north downtown Omaha.
What Draws People to The RiverFront
Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing reopened on August 18, 2023, completing the park’s transformation. Since then, The RiverFront has hosted more than 3,000 events, most free and open to the public. Highlights include Independence Day celebrations, the Water Lantern Festival, Friday Night Flicks, Taste of Omaha, Bats Over Omaha, the NYE Firework Extravaganza and two Bud Crawford Victory parades.
Awards and Recognition
Local and national organizations have given The RiverFront 27 awards since 2019. The park is also a designated Pollinator Haven and an affiliate site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
What the Milestone Means to MECA
“Reaching 10 million visitors is an incredible milestone, but what matters most to us is what those visits represent,” said Jaden Hill, MECA Senior Director of Parks. “They represent the memories made, the connections formed, and the sense of community that has grown throughout The RiverFront. We are proud to provide a place where people can gather, celebrate, and experience the very best of Omaha. We are deeply grateful to our community, whose continued support, enthusiasm, and participation have made this achievement possible. We are honored to be our community’s gathering place and look forward to building on this momentum for years to come.”
What’s Next for The RiverFront
New programming is added daily. The full event calendar is available at theriverfrontomaha.com. Updates, including weather notices, appear on Facebook and X at @OmahaRiverFront and on Instagram at @Omaha_RiverFront.