Heartwood Preserve Is Omaha’s New Summer Playground

The promise of Heartwood Preserve is finally coming to life, and just in time for summer.

Nestled near 144th and Pacific, this 500-acre gem in West Omaha is more than a pretty green space. It’s a full-blown destination. After years of planning, Phase 1 of Heartwood Park and the long-awaited Greenway along Pacific Street are now open to the public, offering a fresh breath of air (literally) with miles of trails, lush lawns, and free community programming all summer long.

And yes, you read that right: it’s all free.

This isn’t just another park. Heartwood Preserve’s long-term vision includes a restored historic barn, an ice rink, a bandshell, and a trail system that winds through 80 acres of permanently protected open space—complete with 13 water basins and large-scale land art. It’s big. It’s bold. It’s built to bring people together.

If your vibe is lawn chairs, sunsets, and catching live music without fighting crowds, you’ll want to lock these dates in:

🎶 Friday Night Bites & Beats – July 11
Award-winning blues artist Héctor Anchondo sets the soundtrack for the night while food trucks like La Gaviota, Sweets on the Streets, and Cornhusker Beverage Bar serve up the flavor. Expect lawn games, great music, and golden-hour magic.
Time: 4–10 p.m.

🧘 Yoga Flow with Michelle Placek – July 12
Ease into your Saturday with a peaceful hour of guided yoga. Bring your mat or rent one on-site. Stick around after to lounge on picnic blankets or get in on some lawn games.
Time: 11 a.m.–Noon

🎸 Summer Saturdays with Whiskey River – July 12
Local country powerhouse Whiskey River takes the stage at 6 p.m., but the party starts earlier. Come hungry. Come ready to dance.
Time: 5–11 p.m.

🎨 Art in the Park – July 13
Open to all ages and skill levels, this hands-on art session includes free supplies—chalk, sketchbooks, stickers, pastels—and plenty of space to get creative.
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Catch the full lineup at heartwoodomaha.com/events.