A brand new park unlike any other in the City of Omaha is now officially open near 162nd and Pacific. Parks Director Brook Bench says the 20 acres of land for Pacific Preserve was donated to the City by Judy and Jim Wigton. The scenic, peaceful walking trail stretches from Pacific to Dodge and is tucked in between railroad tracks and the Papio Creek.
In an effort to preserve wildlife and space for birds, bees and other pollinators, dogs and bikes are not allowed. "Pollinators are important for healthy ecosystems," Mayor Jean Stothert said at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday. "The preserve is a responsible step that we can take to provide an environment where these pollinators can thrive."
Bench says people who use the park must pack up the trash they carry in and take it with them. The park has several limestone benches among the natural grass and trees where people can spent quiet time sitting or reading. "We are striving to preserve nature and wildlife in this area because we really want to make this space a neat and peaceful experience for all," Bench says.
He says the park requires very little maintenance and is still a work in progress. "We have a crushed limestone path throughout half of it and eventually we'll do the other half. We'll have more plantings and more gardens in the future," Bench says.