Canopy Yard

  • Project typePark Construction
  • Project valuePark: $25 Million
  • Project scheduleOpening December 2026
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A destination park right in the heart of Lincoln’s Haymarket District.

Coming in 2026!

Canopy Yard will be a high-amenity, urban park to serve as a catalyst for the redevelopment of areas around the former industrial site southwest of downtown Lincoln. The project represents years of planning and community feedback that recommended a new neighborhood park to serve the downtown area. Located near 7th and N Streets, this 8.5-acre park will support economic development by stimulating and supporting private investments in the South Haymarket District. Park activity areas and amenities will provide outdoor recreation opportunities for those who live in, work in, and visit this inclusive, culturally enriching space. Amenities will include an interactive water feature, destination playground, dog park, and in-ground skate park. 

“Canopy Yard will be a destination in this community for residents and visitors alike. We can’t wait to welcome Lincoln to this new space and watch it come to life.”
~ Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross

 South Haymarket Park, rendering updated March 2024.


Park Amenities

  • A main welcome area at 7th & N Street, including a public art piece to provide a place of gathering for the community
  • A community building that includes shaded, outdoor seating overlooking the park
  • Open lawn for recreational play
  • A canopy structure with porch swings overlooking the open lawn
  • A modern dog park to serve our four-legged, tail-wagging Lincolnites
  • Common Ground Plaza featuring a fun, interactive water feature and honoring the history of the area
  • An inclusive playground with unique zones offering different experiences for all ages and abilities
  • Public restrooms
  • Multiple shade structures for events and gatherings
  • A diverse mix of trees and plants, featuring an array of native species
  • A state-of-the-art, in-ground all wheels skatepark designed to host competitions, demonstrations, and jams
  • A trailhead in memory of Randy Gibson, a beloved community cyclist
  • The Chris Beutler Trail, which will wind through the west side of the park, connecting the N Street Protected Bikeway to the Jamaica North Trail (funded by Great Plains Trails Network)

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Skatepark

Opening Date:  April 14th, 2026
Open Hours:  Sunrise to Sunset

"Beginning in 2004, this special place was first identified in planning documents as "West Park and "West Haymarket Park", a reference to the location being west of the existing Haymarket. After successful completion of the West Haymarket Redevelopment in 2013, the park's name evolved into "South Haymarket Park", a reference to the location being south of the existing Haymarket. While working through park development and design, the name Canopy Yard stood out as an opportunity that captures the spirit of the community, the history of the place, and the uniqueness of the space."

Canopy Yard is full of meaning:

  • Canopy Yard creates a tie to the train history of the Haymarket, with both passenger canopy and railyards.
  • The word "canopy" has double meaning, evoking the importance and prevalence of trees in the park design and our state's tie to Arbor Day
  • The word "yard" honors the area's industrial and warehouse past, as well as evoking the idea of "Lincoln's backyard" with activities for everyone.

"We are so excited to welcome everyone to Canopy Yard!" ~Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director, Maggie Stuckey-Ross

Temporary Closures:  Please know that temporary skatepark closures will occur from time to time through December 2026 while work is finished in the areas around the skatepark.

Parking: Gold 4 Garage, the first hour is free. Additional hour increment fees apply thereafter.

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Guidelines

  • Skating and Wheeled Sports only! Skateboards and motor-free gear welcome.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings, varying skill levels and ages of other riders and weather conditions.
  • Know your limits. Try new tricks carefully and stay within your ability. Use the park at your own risk.
  • Protect yourself. Helmets and other protective gear are strongly recommended during active riding.

Park Etiquette

  • Wait your turn. Respect others and park neighbors.
  • Pick up your trash. No food, drinks, or glass in the skating area.
  • No metal pegs or pedals, they damage surfaces. Protect the park.
  • Be a good role model, by helping others.
  • No vandalism. Stickers and paint on personal gear only.
  • Watch your language, all ages use this park.

All park users are required to follow Lincoln City Ordinances. For non-emergency issues, contact the Lincoln Police Department non-emergency, (402) 441-6000.   

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Funding and Park Updates 

This campaign is led by Lincoln Parks Foundation, in partnership with Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department and the City of Lincoln. The park will be funded by a combination of public and private sources, including the City of Lincoln, federal grants, and generous donors. The campaign goal is $25 million, which includes endowments for repair, replacement, and park programming.

Recent Announcements:

Project FAQ's

What is the timeline for the Canopy Yard and when will it open? 

  • April 2023:  Park Announcement 
  • 2024:  Design Development 
  • December 2024:  Campaign Goal Reached 
  • Summer 2025-2026:  Construction will occur
  • April 2026: Soft opening of skatepark
  • December 2026:  Anticipated completion of the park

Will the playground be inclusive? 

The playground design was guided by the goals of the Outdoor Inclusive Play Strategic Plan as adopted by the Lincoln Parks & Recreation Advisory Board in 2022. The intent is to have a playground accessible for all ages and abilities to play together.


Who are the designers of the park? 

GGN is working in partnership with local business (and Canopy Yard neighbor) Olsson and Olsson Studio.


Who is the designer of the skate park? 

Olsson has partnered with Spohn Ranch, a California-based firm, to design the all-wheels skatepark. It is designed to accommodate skateboards, scooters, in-line skaters, and BMX bicycle users of all skill levels. 


What are the environmental issues on the site? 

The site history is well documented through numerous historic soil and groundwater investigations.   

The entirety of the former Alter Scrap property was cleaned up to standards approved by EPA and the NDEE in 2018. 

An environmental covenant runs with the property in perpetuity which documents what cleanup has occurred and what restrictions still apply.  Restrictions include a prohibition on installing drinking water wells at the site and requirements to maintain a minimum amount of soil cover or hard surfacing to prevent exposure to deeper impacted soils. 

An Operations and Maintenance Plan has been prepared for the site to safely guide future development and will be used during planning & construction of Canopy Yard.  

Funding FAQ's

This campaign was led by Lincoln Parks Foundation, in partnership with Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department and the City of Lincoln. The park will be funded by a combination of public and private sources, including the City of Lincoln, federal grants, and generous donors. Our campaign goal is $25 million which includes endowments for repair, replacement, and park programming.


How can I donate to this project? 

The Lincoln Parks Foundation is leading the campaign to raise funds for the park and plaza. Those interested in making a gift to the park are encouraged to contact 402-441-8258, donations can also be made online.


News Releases and Conferences

2024

News Conference, March 29, 2024:  South Haymarket Park Revised and Expanded Plan

 


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Location

Southwest of 7th and "N" streets,    View Map

Google Map