In the Dundee section of Omaha, a community‑driven effort is taking shape to make Memorial Park more welcoming for all residents. Project manager and longtime neighbor Buey Ray Tut identified the park’s lack of accessibility as a barrier that “takes away so much of what the park means to the community at large.”
Working with the Dundee‑Memorial Park Neighborhood Association, Tut reached out to board member Molly Romero to discuss the issue. “He said, ‘Hey, this isn’t accessible.’ Oh, you’re right,” Romero recalled, underscoring the shared concern among neighbors.
Preliminary design and timeline
The first phase of the project focuses on a single, high‑impact improvement: replacing the existing staircase with a wheelchair‑friendly ramp. A preliminary design has already been drafted, though final details remain under review. Both Tut and Romero stress that the plan is still in its early stages, but the timeline is clear. The goal is to complete the design work by the end of 2026, begin construction in 2027, and have the ramp finished by 2028.
“If you want to bring about impact in the community that you live in, and you call home, you have to take action,” Tut said, framing the effort as a model of local stewardship. The project reflects a broader lesson about how ordinary citizens can shape the places they love.
Why accessibility matters
For many Dundee families, Memorial Park serves as a place of “tranquility” and “restoration,” according to Romero. Making the park accessible would allow seniors, parents with strollers, and residents with mobility challenges to enjoy those benefits without difficulty.
“Improving accessibility would help more people experience a park that holds significance for the Dundee neighborhood,” Romero added. The sentiment aligns with the community’s long‑standing emphasis on family‑friendly spaces and the preservation of local traditions.
Community support and next steps
Local residents have expressed enthusiasm for the project, viewing it as a tangible way to strengthen neighborhood bonds. While the design is still preliminary, the collaboration between a private citizen and a neighborhood association demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can complement municipal planning.
The next steps involve refining the ramp design, securing any necessary permits, and coordinating with the city’s parks department to ensure the construction aligns with broader public‑works schedules. If all proceeds as planned, Memorial Park will become a more inclusive gathering spot for Dundee families by the close of the decade.
As Omaha continues to grow, projects like this underscore the importance of local voices in shaping public spaces. By addressing accessibility head‑on, Dundee residents are not only improving a beloved park but also setting a precedent for community‑led improvements across the city.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
