Gene Leahy Dog Park

Hello, fellow Nebraska dog lovers! If you're residing in or visiting Omaha and seeking a prime spot for your furry companion to frolic, socialize, and enjoy some much-needed off-leash freedom, look no further than Gene Leahy Dog Park. Nestled within the iconic Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront, this park is a true gem in the heart of downtown Omaha, offering a fantastic and well-equipped environment for dogs and their human companions alike.

As Nebraskans, we appreciate well-maintained public spaces, and Gene Leahy Dog Park truly shines in this regard. It’s a beautifully designed area that caters to the diverse needs of our canine friends, providing separate zones for different sizes and a variety of play surfaces. One local reviewer perfectly captured the essence: "We went here with our dog and it was a really nice dog park. It’s nice they have two areas: one for bigger dogs, and one for smaller dogs." This thoughtful separation ensures that every dog, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest Great Dane, can enjoy their playtime comfortably and safely. Imagine your dog joyfully romping on turf, exploring climbing structures, and quenching their thirst at a convenient water fountain, all while you relax and connect with other dog owners in a vibrant urban setting.

Gene Leahy Dog Park is conveniently located at South 10th Street & Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA. Its prime spot within the revitalized Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront places it in the heart of downtown Omaha, making it incredibly accessible for city residents and visitors alike. This central location means you can easily combine a dog park visit with other downtown activities, whether it's exploring the Old Market, enjoying the riverfront, or grabbing a bite to eat at a nearby dog-friendly establishment.

The park's address is easy to find using GPS or any navigation app. As part of a major urban park renovation, accessibility has been a key focus. The entire Gene Leahy Mall, including the dog park, is designed to be wheelchair accessible with gently sloping pathways. Parking options are available in immediate proximity, including metered stalls and parking garages, and the area is also well-served by Omaha's mass transit system and ride-share drop-off locations. The park is open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM, providing ample flexibility for early morning romps or late-evening play sessions.

Gene Leahy Dog Park goes above and beyond to provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for all its two-legged and four-legged visitors.

• Separate Large and Small Dog Areas: A standout feature, the park is clearly divided into two distinct, fully fenced sections: one specifically for smaller dogs and another for larger dogs. This ensures that all dogs can play safely and appropriately with others of similar size and energy levels.
• Water Fountain with Dog Bowl: Hydration is key, especially during Nebraska's changing seasons. The park provides a convenient water fountain that includes a bowl at the bottom, making it easy for your dog to get a drink. Some sources indicate a button to fill the bowl, ensuring fresh water.
• Poop Bags Provided: To help maintain the park's cleanliness, waste bag dispensers are readily available, encouraging responsible pet ownership and a pleasant environment for everyone.
• Artificial Turf and Sand Surfaces: The park features a mix of surfaces, including artificial turf covered places for dogs to climb and play on, and primarily sand in other areas. The turf contributes to cleanliness and reduces mud, while sand offers a softer surface for play.
• Seating for Owners: Both inside and outside the fenced areas, there are various seating options available, including benches and rock benches under young trees, allowing owners to relax and observe their dogs comfortably.
• Agility Equipment/Obstacles: The park includes features like "turf covered places for dogs to climb up/play on," tunnels for crawling, and hills for climbing, offering engaging obstacles and agility challenges for dogs.
• Well-Lit at Night: For those who prefer evening visits, the park is well-lit, ensuring visibility and safety after dark.
• Free Wi-Fi: As part of the Gene Leahy Mall, visitors can access free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected while your dog plays.

What truly makes Gene Leahy Dog Park a premier destination for Omaha dog owners are its distinctive features and its integration into a larger, vibrant urban space.

• Part of The RiverFront Redevelopment: The dog park is a key component of the extensive and highly acclaimed Gene Leahy Mall renovation at The RiverFront, offering a modern, clean, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Double-Gated Entrance: For enhanced security and to prevent accidental escapes, the dog park features a double-gated entrance system, providing an extra layer of safety.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Reviewers consistently praise the park for being "well maintained" and "clean," highlighting the dedication to upkeep.
• Variety of Play Surfaces: The combination of artificial turf, sand, and possibly pea gravel provides diverse textures for dogs to explore and play on, catering to different preferences and minimizing mud.
• Proximity to Other Attractions: Beyond the dog park, the Gene Leahy Mall offers numerous attractions, including a performance pavilion, sculpture garden, state-of-the-art playground (Arches Playground for kids), interactive water features, and vast lawn spaces. This allows for a full day of family fun that can include both human and canine members.
• Community Events: The Gene Leahy Mall hosts a wide array of events, some of which are dog-friendly, such as "FidoFest" or free dog training sessions, fostering a strong community atmosphere.
• Wheelchair Accessible: The entire park complex is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring visitors of all abilities can enjoy the facilities.

As a public park within the City of Omaha's impressive RiverFront development, Gene Leahy Dog Park does not typically offer direct commercial "promotions" or "special offers" for entry, as it is free to use for all visitors. The primary "offer" is the exceptional, free-of-charge access to a high-quality urban dog park.

However, the broader Gene Leahy Mall and The RiverFront frequently host a variety of public events that can be considered a "special offer" to the community. These events often include dog-friendly activities or are held in close proximity to the dog park, allowing dog owners to enjoy both. Examples include:

• FidoFest: Past events like FidoFest have brought together pet vendors, giveaways, food trucks, and adoption groups, specifically catering to the dog community.
• Free Dog Training Events: Organizations like "Dog Gone Problems" have hosted free dog training sessions (e.g., leash training, clicker training) at the mall, providing valuable resources for pet owners.
• Community Programming: The Gene Leahy Mall regularly features a packed calendar of events such as Friday Night Flicks, live music at the pavilion, morning yoga, food truck nights, and various art activities. While not exclusively for dogs, these events create a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the overall experience of visiting The RiverFront with your pet.

To stay updated on upcoming dog-friendly events or general happenings at The RiverFront, it’s highly recommended to check The RiverFront's official website under their events tab.

For those planning a visit to Gene Leahy Dog Park or seeking more information about The RiverFront complex:

Address: South 10th Street & Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA (within Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront)

Phone: While there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the dog park, you can contact The RiverFront general information line or the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation department for broader inquiries. The RiverFront's website lists contact information as (402) 599-6565 or theriverfront@omahameca.com.

For the most up-to-date information on park rules, hours, and events, visiting The RiverFront's official website (theriverfrontomaha.com) is highly recommended.

For Omaha residents, Gene Leahy Dog Park is more than just a place for dogs to play; it's a testament to the city's commitment to creating dynamic, inclusive, and pet-friendly urban spaces. Its downtown location within the magnificent Gene Leahy Mall makes it exceptionally convenient for those living and working in the urban core, providing a much-needed green oasis for canine exercise and socialization.

The thoughtful design, including separate areas for large and small dogs, addresses a key concern for many pet owners, ensuring that all pups can play safely and comfortably. The presence of artificial turf, various play structures, and easily accessible water fountains elevates the experience beyond a simple grass patch. Reviewers consistently praise its cleanliness and maintenance, which is crucial for a pleasant and healthy environment. Even Ginger, a local pup, "didn't want to leave!"

Beyond the dog park itself, its integration into The RiverFront offers unparalleled benefits. You can enjoy a vibrant downtown atmosphere, grab a coffee, attend a concert, or let your children play at a state-of-the-art playground, all while your dog enjoys their dedicated space. This makes it an ideal destination for families and individuals alike. Gene Leahy Dog Park truly enhances the quality of life for Omaha's dog-owning community, providing a top-tier, free, and accessible venue for both canine fun and human connection in the heart of Nebraska's largest city. It’s a definite must-visit for any local pup and their person.