For decades, Tranquility Park has been a place where athletes competed, families gathered, and residents connected with the outdoors. Today, that legacy is taking shape in a new way as construction progresses on the Tranquility Multi-Sports Complex. Driven by thoughtful planning, innovative design, and extensive community engagement, the project is transforming the park into a premier regional destination while preserving the qualities that have made it a beloved community asset for generations.

At 379 acres, the project represents far more than a sports complex upgrade. It is the result of a planning journey centered on one guiding principle: park first.

From the earliest conversations, JEO worked closely with Omaha Parks and Recreation, local sports organizations, community stakeholders, and park users to understand what Tranquility Park means to the people who use it every day. JEO’s planning and engagement team supported community outreach efforts and open house events, helping gather feedback that informed the project’s vision and design. The goal was never simply to add more fields or attract larger tournaments. Instead, the team focused on creating a long-term vision that balanced recreation, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and community identity.

That collaborative process revealed an important truth: residents wanted the park to grow, but not at the expense of the experiences that already made it special.

The path forward was not without challenges. More than one-third of the site lies within a four-foot-deep floodplain, creating significant design constraints for future development. At the same time, existing recreational programs needed to remain active throughout the planning and implementation process. Rather than viewing those limitations as obstacles, the team saw them as opportunities to think differently.

The solution emerged through an innovative tiered field concept that combines detailed hydraulic analysis with athlete-focused design. By carefully studying how water moves across the site, JEO developed a layout that works with the landscape instead of against it. This approach allows the complex to better withstand weather-related impacts while providing high-quality playing surfaces and flexible recreational space.

The result is a master plan that seamlessly integrates athletic facilities with a dynamic park experience. When complete, the Tranquility Multi-Sports Complex will feature 12 synthetic turf soccer fields, enhanced parking, upgraded concessions and restroom facilities, expanded fan amenities, and modern technology and safety features. A central amenities building will serve as a hub for visitors and event operations, supporting concessions, training and recovery spaces, referee facilities, and championship field activities. The park will also include a Hall of Fame, a fan corridor with gathering spaces and spectator seating, and other features designed to create a memorable experience for athletes, families, and visitors.

Yet the vision extends well beyond sports.

A core element of JEO’s park-first philosophy is ensuring that Tranquility remains a destination for everyone. While tournaments and competitive athletics will draw visitors from across the region, the park will continue to serve runners, walkers, cyclists, skaters, families, and community members seeking outdoor recreation and open green space. Connected trail systems will strengthen links to surrounding neighborhoods, while the fan corridor, event lawn, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces create opportunities for community events, celebrations, and year-round activity beyond game days. Thoughtfully designed planting areas and public spaces further enhance the park experience, providing inviting places to gather, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.

The design reflects that balance. Enhanced wayfinding, improved circulation, and strategic traffic planning will help accommodate large events without diminishing the everyday park experience. Technology enhancements, including Wi-Fi-enabled amenities and modern scoreboard systems, will support users while maintaining a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

The project also positions Tranquility Park as an important economic catalyst. With the future Tranquility Commons development planned nearby, visitors will have greater access to lodging, dining, and entertainment options, helping generate economic activity for Omaha while supporting tourism and regional sporting events.

Behind the scenes, careful planning and partnership have been essential to bringing the vision to life. JEO has worked alongside the City of Omaha and Kiewit, the project’s Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) team, to guide budgeting, phasing, and implementation strategies that support long-term success. Flexibility, operational efficiency, maintainability, and environmental resilience have all remained priorities throughout the process, alongside input and collaboration from numerous partners and stakeholders.

Groundwork is now underway, marking the beginning of a transformation years in the making.

Tranquility Park is poised to become one of the Midwest’s premier recreation destinations—and a lasting example of how a park-first approach can create places that truly serve everyone.