The playground renderings found within this page are artistic representations of the playground renovation projects and is subject to change upon installation.
Projects made possible by the support of National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, Lincoln Parks Department, and generous community donations through the Lincoln Parks Foundation.
For questions regarding park enhancements, please email parks@lincoln.ne.gov or call 402 - 441- 7847.
"A playground is a metaphor for the type of community we want Lincoln to be. It welcomes the body you were born into, supports the body you are living in today, and is prepared for the body you will have in the future. On the playground, everyone can experience the joy of play, form friendships, and create connections." - Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross
The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department (LPRD) is thrilled to announce upcoming playground renovations in seven parks across the city, thanks to a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant. The parks slated for updates consists of Belmont, Filbert, Henry, Herbert, Nevin, Peach, and Stuhr Parks.
What’s Changing?
- New, Modern Playgrounds – Outdated equipment and safety surfacing will be removed, making way for brand-new, engaging play structures.
- Improved Safety & Accessibility – All playgrounds will feature resilient rubber tile surfacing, ensuring a safe and inclusive play environment.
- Sustainable Design – With the exception of Herbert Park, all new playgrounds will be rebuilt in their original locations to preserve green space and trees to the extent possible. The playground in Herbert Park is being relocated to be closer to the existing open-air shelter with better access from the neighborhood.
- Long-Lasting Investment – These playgrounds are designed for sustainability and longevity, offering recreational opportunities for our community today and for generations to come. The high-quality equipment and resilient surfacing are chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance, keeping parks safe, accessible, and ready for play year-round.
Project Funding & Timeline
This project represents a $1.2 million investment, with $600,000 provided by a LWCF grant and a matching $600,000 from LPRD’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and private donations secured by the Lincoln Parks Foundation. Lincoln Parks and Recreation staff will handle removal work, while a contractor will complete grading and installation of concrete, resilient surfacing, and play equipment.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer of 2025 with survey crews and park staff preparing the sites ahead of the construction season.
Community Involvement
While Belmont and Henry Parks received public input through open houses, the remaining parks were identified as high-priority replacements based on their condition and service needs. Our goal is to ensure each new playground incorporates the 7 elements of play, providing inclusive and engaging experiences for all users.
See pictures of the Belmont open house here: (PROVIDE A FEW PICTURES)
See pictures of the Henry Park open house here: (PROVIDE A FEW PICTURES)
For more information on the 7 elements of play, see Inclusive Playground Information in the next section.
For more details on safety surfacing and shade, visit our Safety Surfacing and Park Trees FAQ
Learn more about our city’s park network and park score here: 32nd in the nation Park Score. Parks Score Index, 2024. Trust for Public Land, tlp.org
2024 Report:
Stay tuned for updates as we bring exciting, modern play opportunities to your neighborhood!
"Exciting changes are coming to parks throughout Lincoln! Community Centers co-located with Belmont and Henry Parks hosted open house events to gather valuable public input to help shape the new playground designs. Information received during these events has provided guidance in developing plans for all seven park sites identified as high priorities for playground replacement based on their condition and service needs. These parks will receive new, innovative playground pieces that follow Lincoln Parks and Recreation’s city-wide standards for play value. Our goal is to create fun, inclusive, and engaging playgrounds at every site, incorporating the seven essential elements of play to ensure every child can enjoy and thrive in these exciting new spaces!" - J.J. Yost, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
What is an inclusive playground?
Inclusive playgrounds are thoughtfully designed to provide a safe place where people of all abilities, sizes and ages can play together. They go beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act which requires access but not necessarily play experiences that meet the needs or abilities of the users.
Inclusive playgrounds provide a number of opportunities for children to explore and to be able to play side by side with children and adults who may have different levels of ability.
What will the Mahoney Inclusive Playground include?
The Mahoney Inclusive Playground will be located in the same general area as the existing playground, but will be roughly 5 times the size!
This playground will include:
- perimeter fence
- swing and sway opportunities
- multilevel accessible-surface play areas
- a large fully-accessible central play structure
- adult fitness equipment
- turf
- covered picnic areas
- water play area.
- nearby restroom has been remodeled to accommodate families, including adult changing tables.
Basketball, sand volleyball, tennis and a rentable picnic shelter are located in the immediate area. There are concrete walking paths and plenty of parking located near the playground.
Strategy for Integrating Outdoor Inclusive Play
The Strategy for Integrating Outdoor Inclusive Play(PDF, 326KB) in Lincoln’s Parks recommends a three tier strategy which includes a recommendation for a new large inclusive playground at Mahoney Park. Parks and Recreation leveraged that plan to make application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for a $400,000 grant, matched by $300,000 in City funding and $100,000 in private donations, was awarded to develop this first fully inclusive playground in the community.
National Demonstration Site Award
City of Lincoln is recognized for its commitment to providing a high- outdoor park destination that exemplifies evidence-based best practices in design, offers meaningful experiences, and thoughtfully supports health and wellness in their community. Mahoney Park serves as a model project of excellence in the following National Demonstration Site designation.
Mahoney Park applies a comprehensive design philosophy by utilizing the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design™ to innovate an outdoor play environment where both physical and social inclusion can occur to the greatest extent possible. Moving beyond minimum accessibility guidelines, this park intentionally addresses the development of the whole child, aligns with evidence-based design principles of the whole environment, and ultimately, benefits the whole community by providing a meaningful destination for individuals of all ages and abilities to play together. A robust and balanced assortment of playground activities can be found to support the physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communicative needs of all children, including those with disabilities.
Mahoney Park promotes physical activity and fun by implementing the Play On! design best practices to intentionally promote physical activity through active play and encourage the developmental progression of skills through healthy movement. This outdoor play destination incorporates six key elements of play- balancing, brachiating, climbing, spinning, sliding, and swinging to promote fitness opportunities that support national physical education standards and efforts to combat childhood obesity.
Mahoney Park thoughtfully aligns with evidence-based design best practices to promote physical activity and fitness. This Outdoor Adult Fitness Park offers a variety of aerobic, muscle/strength, core, balance, and flexibility equipment to provide a well-rounded fitness routine. Together, these elements can help individuals of all fitness levels engage in more moderate to vigorous physical activity, while enjoying the health benefits of physical activity.
We commend City of Lincoln for turning research into practice and offering evidence-based solutions that build healthier, happier communities through the power of play and recreation.
Construction Timeline
Construction of this playground is planned to begin in Summer of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025.
How can I support this project?
Are you ready to be a part of something truly special?
Now's your chance to make a lasting impact on the community and leave your mark at Mahoney Park's groundbreaking inclusive playground!
Your contribution not only supports the endowment of this playground but also paves the way for future inclusive playgrounds throughout the City of Lincoln. The gateway to the playground includes a custom fence with pickets. With the purchase of a picket, you have an option to have 1 plaque or purchase an additional plaque for the same picket. Your plaques will stand tall, symbolizing your commitment and advocacy to inclusivity and play for all in the City of Lincoln.
Plaque Options:
Plaques will be displayed vertically at the gateway entrance on a custom made metal plaque.
Plaque text examples with option to purchase 1 or 2 plaques shown in 1 or 2 lines of text with a 20 character limit.
- Line 1: In Honor of
Line 2: First and Last Name
- Line 1: In Memory of
Line 2: First and Last Name
- Line 1: First and Last Name
Line 2: Year or Date Range
- Single Line: First and Last Name
- Single Line: Business Name
More information can be found at lincolnparks.org or by contacting director@linccolnparks.org.
“An inclusive playground will be a destination site and help ensure that all residents in our city will have access to play where the only limitation is their imagination, not ability.” - Councilman James Michael Bowers.
The Mahoney Inclusive Playground will be located in the same general area as the existing playground, but will be roughly 5 times the size!
Completion expected late summer 2025!
N. 12th and Judson Ave.
Anticipated project completion is Summer of 2026.
Anticipated project completion is Summer of 2026.
Anticipated project completion is Summer of 2026.
Anticipated project completion is Summer of 2026.
Anticipated project completion is Summer of 2026.
Anticipated project completion is Summer of 2026.
Anticipated project completion is Summer of 2026.
How Long Will My Neighborhood Playground Be Closed?
LPRD is committed to minimizing downtime for your neighborhood playground. We will not remove existing play equipment until construction is ready to begin, ensuring the shortest possible closure time. While we aim for a swift and efficient replacement process, please be patient as unexpected delays—such as weather or construction challenges—may arise.
Our goal is to complete each playground as soon as possible so we can all get back to playing!
In the meantime, we encourage you to explore nearby parks. Check out our Parks A-Z Guide to find an alternative playground while yours is under construction.