Take a look at the Gene Leahy Mall and progress on the Riverfront Revitalization project – KETV Omaha

Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority or MECA is moving forward in its progress of giving the Gene Leahy Mall a major facelift. The nearly $300 million Riverfront Revitalization project includes revamps of Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing. Construction first began in 2020 and will be completed two years from now. The first part of the four-year project is well underway. The mall is expected to be completed next summer. Gene Leahy Mall's transformation started with bringing the park up to ground level."Whether that be sewers that will help service the park, conduit for telecom and electrical and a lot of foundations to help be a good base," MECA's vice president of parks, Katie Bassett said. The construction's paving the way for what you see on top: a pavilion, permanent restrooms, shaded areas and some familiar staples like the arch and downtown slides.Bassett said there are also some hidden surprises you can't see. "This is what we're calling the arches playground," Bassett said. The feature is a not-so-typical playground for kids to explore. "Underneath this on here will be a climbing wall and then over here will be a rope forest where kids can climb up the ropes," Bassett said. Near 13th and Farnam streets, Bassett showed off the future spot of the canopies where up to 8 food trucks can park and serve. "It'll be a really great place for shade, grab your lunch at the food trucks and come sit here and enjoy a beautiful day," Bassett said. The most sizeable infrastructure is the massive pavilion. "We'll have heavily programmed daily, weekly and monthly activities from fitness classes and art walks," Bassett said. Bassett said the pavilion will eventually be painted, covered and lit up from the inside. All the features come together to create a park that will connect the community."It'll be very visible and everyone can see what's going on in the park and it not only creates a safe environment but a sense of excitement," Bassett said. "When you drive by and see 50 people doing a tai chi class, you can join." The design will also connect surrounding neighborhoods as well. Bassett said crews will even add a stoplight at 11th and Douglas streets to encourage safe foot traffic."Whether that be connectivity to the Old Market or North Downtown area, the connectivity to the river and the connectivity as a community," Bassett said. A peaceful spot is the Sculpture Garden at the corner of 13th and Douglas streets. "We'll have public art," Bassett said. "This will be a very tranquil, quiet space for people to gather and hang out with friends around the fire pit." Bassett said around the garden will be native plants and trees. Bassett said they currently only have about 60 percent of trees planted. Flowing under the 10th street bridge will be a pond that will guide people to a dog park, cove and a smaller performance area."We really have a wide variety of opportunities for people to come and enjoy," Bassett said. The park will also have public wifi and feature 24/7 security.Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing should be completed in the summer of 2023.

Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority or MECA is moving forward in its progress of giving the Gene Leahy Mall a major facelift. The nearly $300 million Riverfront Revitalization project includes revamps of Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing.

Construction first began in 2020 and will be completed two years from now. The first part of the four-year project is well underway. The mall is expected to be completed next summer.

Gene Leahy Mall's transformation started with bringing the park up to ground level.

"Whether that be sewers that will help service the park, conduit for telecom and electrical and a lot of foundations to help be a good base," MECA's vice president of parks, Katie Bassett said.

The construction's paving the way for what you see on top: a pavilion, permanent restrooms, shaded areas and some familiar staples like the arch and downtown slides.

Bassett said there are also some hidden surprises you can't see.

"This is what we're calling the arches playground," Bassett said.

The feature is a not-so-typical playground for kids to explore.

"Underneath this on here will be a climbing wall and then over here will be a rope forest where kids can climb up the ropes," Bassett said.

Near 13th and Farnam streets, Bassett showed off the future spot of the canopies where up to 8 food trucks can park and serve.

"It'll be a really great place for shade, grab your lunch at the food trucks and come sit here and enjoy a beautiful day," Bassett said.

The most sizeable infrastructure is the massive pavilion.

"We'll have heavily programmed daily, weekly and monthly activities from fitness classes and art walks," Bassett said.

Bassett said the pavilion will eventually be painted, covered and lit up from the inside. All the features come together to create a park that will connect the community.

"It'll be very visible and everyone can see what's going on in the park and it not only creates a safe environment but a sense of excitement," Bassett said. "When you drive by and see 50 people doing a tai chi class, you can join."

The design will also connect surrounding neighborhoods as well. Bassett said crews will even add a stoplight at 11th and Douglas streets to encourage safe foot traffic.

"Whether that be connectivity to the Old Market or North Downtown area, the connectivity to the river and the connectivity as a community," Bassett said.

A peaceful spot is the Sculpture Garden at the corner of 13th and Douglas streets.

"We'll have public art," Bassett said. "This will be a very tranquil, quiet space for people to gather and hang out with friends around the fire pit."

Bassett said around the garden will be native plants and trees. Bassett said they currently only have about 60 percent of trees planted.

Flowing under the 10th street bridge will be a pond that will guide people to a dog park, cove and a smaller performance area.

"We really have a wide variety of opportunities for people to come and enjoy," Bassett said.

The park will also have public wifi and feature 24/7 security.

Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing should be completed in the summer of 2023.

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Take a look at the Gene Leahy Mall and progress on the Riverfront Revitalization project - KETV Omaha