Omaha City Wire

The City of Omaha will invest $54 million at Tranquility Park to create a premier youth multi-sport complex and tournament facility.

New hotels, restaurants and retail are also planned along North 120th Street between Maple and Fort Streets.

Tranquility Park, built 50 years ago at 120th and Maple and managed by the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department, is the City’s only public soccer complex. The park has 17 soccer fields including one synthetic turf field and eight natural turf baseball fields.

A 2020 study conducted by Huddle Up Group recommended 8-15 synthetic turf flat multi-purpose fields and 8-11 baseball/softball synthetic turf fields. Estimates show more than 45,000 Omaha kids play organized soccer, baseball and softball and two-thirds of the city’s youth soccer league games are played at Tranquility Park. 

“We need more high quality athletic fields to serve youth throughout our community,” said Mayor Jean Stothert.  “Upgrades to Tranquility Park will provide greater access for all players in Omaha and the opportunity to host regional and national tournaments.”

Plans for Tranquility include 13-16 synthetic turf multi-purpose flat fields and 8-11 synthetic turf baseball/softball fields, improved parking and concessions.  Synthetic fields have numerous advantages including increased hours of play, longer seasons, and lower maintenance costs.

“Youth athletics is part of our mission,” said Parks and Recreation Director Matt Kalcevich. “Tranquility will be a championship level sports complex that will draw teams from all Omaha neighborhoods and around the country for outstanding athletic and fan experiences.”

Projections show Tranquility would make Omaha a tournament destination.

“The Tranquility project is a real game changer. When complete, the updated playing fields will give us the opportunity to attract at least 20 new regional and national youth sporting events to our city.  Those tournaments are projected to bring in more than $78 million in direct visitor spending every year," said Deborah Ward, Visit Omaha executive director. 

The City will be the principal funder of the improvements. Philanthropic support is also possible.  State sales turnback tax, tax revenue from an Enhanced Employment Area (EEA) tax, park fees, and concession and tournament revenue will pay for operations and maintenance.

“This is a fabulous project that families from all over our city will be able to use and enjoy.  I am excited about the growth and development this is generating in Northwest Omaha,” said City Council Vice-President Aimee Melton, who represents District 7, including Tranquility Park.

Construction will begin with the soccer fields in 2024; baseball and softball improvements will begin in 2026. The improvements will be completed in 2027.

“The Tranquility Park facilities will quite literally level the playing field and be a catalyst for significant growth, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development,” said Mayor Stothert.

Original source can be found here.