Temporary Mahoney Park Playground Closure Begins September 13

Published on September 11, 2024

The Parks and Recreation Department today announced that beginning Friday, September 13, the Mahoney Park playground, North 70th and Fremont streets, will temporarily close for construction of the new inclusive playground project. Construction of the Mahoney Park inclusive playground will continue through the fall and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2025.

The first phase of construction will involve removing the existing playground equipment. Given it’s good condition and play value, a portion of this equipment will be reinstalled in the recently acquired Tranquility Park, 45th Street and Colfax Circle. Construction of the playground in Tranquility Park is anticipated to be completed in fall 2024.

In February 2023, the City was awarded a $400,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This grant is being matched by city and private funds to construct the Mahoney Park inclusive playground as envisioned in the Outdoor Inclusive Play Strategic Plan.

Inclusive playground design include physical accommodations that provide access and specialized equipment to meet certain needs, as well as provide opportunities for everyone to explore and play with children and adults who may have different levels of ability.

The new play area will be within a fenced enclosure and include a pathway loop to access different play zones, open green space, and sensory gardens. The design includes a centralized shade shelter, drinking fountain, interactive water table, and new play equipment to provide accessible and inclusive play experiences such as swinging, sliding, rocking, climbing, balancing, imaginative play, and fitness.

In March, the City announced that the playground design had been designated as a PlayCore National Demonstration Site. PlayCore recognized Lincoln for its commitment to provide a high-quality outdoor park destination that exemplifies evidence-based best practices in design, offers meaningful experiences, and thoughtfully supports health and wellness in the community.

PlayCore cited Mahoney Park as a model project of excellence in the following categories: Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks, 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design, and Play On! – Promoting Physical Activity. PlayCore is a Tennessee-based company that develops leading research and innovative recreation products and services to build healthy communities through play and recreation.

For more information about the Mahoney playground, visit lincoln.ne.gov/MahoneyPlayground. For more information about the Outdoor Inclusive Play Strategic Plan, visit lincoln.ne.gov/inclusiveplay.

For more information on Lincoln Parks and Recreation programs, visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov.