Omaha's RiverFront Transformation: Connecting Community

Omaha's RiverFront Transformation: Connecting Community

“It is a true testament to Omaha that we could partner with so much local talent for this project. We are fortunate to have so many great companies headquartered here, including Valmont. It is exciting to showcase what Omaha and Nebraska can do through the work of these leading companies and visually share their unique success stories. We have had glowing feedback on The RiverFront since it opened. It’s a park for everyone with something for everyone, a melting pot and destination for Omaha.” – Katie Bassett, Vice President, Parks, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority. “The RiverFront project was very complex. The Valmont team were absolute professionals and knew exactly how to run a project of this magnitude due to their leading reputation for successfully executing large-scale, innovative projects worldwide. There were so many variations and custom requirements from pole to pole, and the skating ribbon was deeply complex from design to final installation. I am convinced we could not have done this project as successfully with any other manufacturer. Valmont is an incredible partner. The knowledge base and commitment shown by the entire team were second to none. I am thankful for their dedication, and the final project speaks for itself.” – Nick Beard, Project Management Principal, Central Sales Lighting Alliance.

Downtown Omaha, Nebraska, has grown along the Missouri River since the city was first established in the 1800s. In 2018, project leaders secured nearly $400 million in public and private funding to connect and revitalize three parks spanning 72 acres – Heartland of America Park, Gene Leahy Mall and Lewis & Clark Landing. The vision for The RiverFront project was to breathe new life into the area with a vibrant park destination closer to the river, and to cultivate greater connectivity through park design, amenities and activities. Valmont, founded in Valley, Nebraska, in 1946 and headquartered in Omaha for the past 27 years, was proud to aid in this massive revitalization effort in its hometown by developing and installing infrastructure throughout the three parks. Since the beginning of the planning and development phase, Valmont has teamed with OPPD to design and customize the galvanized steel transmission structures to meet detailed specifications and ensure sustainability. Crews began to connect the two facilities to the power grid in 2022, and work will continue through 2024. Several unique features developed by Valmont bring The RiverFront vision to life. Many in Omaha remember the landmark orange light poles at the Gene Leahy Mall. Valmont aided in the re-imagination of the park’s entryway with a nod to this signature orange look of the past. New, galvanized steel orange poles now line the entrance, reminding people of the park’s rich history with color while standing strong into the future and reducing the frequency of maintenance or repairs. Also, in the Gene Leahy Mall, state-of-the-art, customized multimedia projection infrastructure is used for monthly activities and performances at The RiverFront. Valmont developed these galvanized steel structures to project in multiple directions with custom platforms to house the technology and a vibration damper at the top. One popular park amenity is Heartland of America Park's new, all-season skating ribbon. It draws approximately 10,000 monthly visitors. It is a true architectural and engineering marvel — immersing ice and roller skaters and spectators in a safe, entertaining experience that combines motion and light with customized rails and infrastructure for all-angle LED lighting. The complex, fluid shapes of the structure are made with structural steel, and the poles are two times thicker than specified to infuse additional safety and stability. The skating ribbon is a testament to the talent of the Valmont team, who rose to the occasion to develop and implement the highly customized infrastructure. The RiverFront parks are interconnected so visitors can walk from park to park, with a more distinct pathway to the Missouri River. Over 1,500 new, locally grown trees and more than 100,000 plants add more green space throughout the parks. Each plant and tree is suited to the climate, and native flora was reintroduced in the area to provide habitats for wildlife and attract more pollinators. This expanded green space adds beauty to The RiverFront, and its location in the city's urban core helps filter air pollutants and aids with cooling during the summer months. When the sun goes down, the lighting throughout The RiverFront is smart and seamless. Hundreds of Valmont customized light poles illuminate all three parks at all angles, eliminating blind spots for optimal visitor safety. The poles have security cameras and serve as WiFi access points, which can house additional smart technology. In addition, Valmont’s lighting partner, Central Sales Lighting Alliance, outfitted the poles with light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, an eco-friendly conversion that can yield considerable energy savings. Overall, The RiverFront project conserves resources and improves lives — leading to award-winning outcomes. In 2021, the project received an Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision award. It is one of approximately 40 projects globally to achieve this prestigious Platinum Verification. Since The RiverFront’s reopening in 2022, it has had more than 1.5 million visitors and counting. Visitors come from all areas, reaching the desired outcome to connect communities through a safe, beautiful downtown destination built with future generations in mind.