Downtown Omaha, Nebraska, has grown along the Missouri River since the city was first established in the 1800s. In 2018, project leaders secured nearly $400 million in public and private funding to connect and revitalize three parks spanning 72 acres – Heartland of America Park, Gene Leahy Mall and Lewis & Clark Landing. The vision for The RiverFront project was to breathe new life into the area with a vibrant park destination closer to the river, and to cultivate greater connectivity through park design, amenities and activities.

A pivotal member of the project team was a large, public manufacturing company headquartered in Omaha. Due to its ties to the greater Omaha region dating back to 1946, they were proud to aid in this massive revitalization effort by developing and installing infrastructure through the three parks.

Since the beginning of the planning and development phase, the manufacturer teamed with OPPD to design and customize the galvanized steel transmission structures to meet detailed specifications and ensure sustainability.

Several unique features developed by the manufacturer bring The RiverFront vision to life. Many in Omaha remember the landmark orange light poles at the Gene Leahy Mall. They aided in the re-imagination of the park’s entryway with a nod to this signature look of the past. The new, galvanized steel poles lining the entrance received an orange painted topcoat to remind visitors of the park’s rich history with color while standing strong into the future and reducing the frequency of maintenance or repairs.

Also, in the Gene Leahy Mall state-of-the-art, customized multimedia projection infrastructure is used for monthly activities and performances at The RiverFront. The manufacturer developed these galvanized steel structures to project in multiple directions with custom platforms to house the technology and a vibration damper at the top.

The project’s exposure to this Midwest environment that experiences a variety of weather conditions, increases its corrosion rate. By selecting a duplex coating of paint over hot-dip galvanizing, the steel poles will be protected from corrosion with an extended lifespan due to the synergistic effect of the two coating systems combined.

The RiverFront parks are interconnected so visitors can walk from park to park, with a more distinct pathway to the Missouri River. Over 1,500 new, locally grown trees and more than 100,000 plants add more green space throughout the parks. Each plant and tree are suited to the climate, and native flora were reintroduced to the area, providing habitats for wildlife, and attracting more pollinators. This expanded green space adds beauty to The RiverFront, and its location in the city's urban core helps filter air pollutants and aids with cooling during the summer months.

Overall, The RiverFront project conserves resources and improves lives — leading to award-winning outcomes. In 2021, the project received an Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision award. It is one of approximately 40 projects globally to achieve this prestigious Platinum Verification.