For decades, Lake Cunningham has been one of Omaha’s most beloved outdoor destinations. Yet despite its size and natural assets, portions of the park were underutilized, prompting a major redevelopment effort that began in 2017. Today, the site includes a 390 acre lake surrounded by a 1,050 acre park and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities from fishing and boating to trails, biking, camping, and nature exploration.

Lake Cunningham’s next chapter builds on that momentum. Known as Cunningham Commons, this new space near Entrance 3 is envisioned as a year round destination for recreation, learning, and connection for people of all ages and abilities. The project introduces a four season community hub, positioned to visually connect to the lake and surrounding park elements, and featuring accessible restrooms, classroom space, a concession area, and a large covered gathering space. Outdoor amenities include a nature inspired playground, a bike park with mountain biking trails, and three new fishing piers.

JEO’s landscape architecture team led the design, supported by our water resources, water and wastewater, electrical, and geospatial experts. The design approach emphasizes flexibility and integration. Spaces are organized to encourage movement, supporting daily use as well as larger community events.

In addition, expanded recreational opportunities are woven throughout the site. Nature based play areas, enhanced trails, natural surface trail systems, and new lake access points build on the existing landscape and offer new ways to explore Lake Cunningham. Together, these improvements support year round programming, casual gathering, and everyday access to the outdoors, strengthening what already exists while making the park even more welcoming and functional for a broader range of users.

Cunningham Commons is a collaborative effort involving the Lake Cunningham Development Trust, the City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Department, the Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful design, long term stewardship, and the continued evolution of a well loved public space.

A groundbreaking event in April 2026 marked the start of construction, with completion targeted for 2028.