Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Celebrates New Beltline Trail Connection

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District and the City of Omaha officially celebrated the new Beltline Trail Connection in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 25, 2025. The new trailhead is part of the Papio NRD’s Beltline Trail Master Plan, developed in partnership with RDG Planning & Design and Ehrhart Griffin & Associates.

The Beltline Trail Master Plan serves as a trailblazing initiative for North Omaha, particularly noteworthy given the community's historical context. Notably, North Omaha boasts the highest density of Black and African American-identifying citizens in the metropolitan area. The trail's fundamental purpose — providing equitable access to active transportation — takes on renewed importance in a community that has historically lacked investment in active transportation infrastructure.

“Seeing neighbors of all ages come out and make the space their own has been truly special. This seemingly simple design is full of small, intentional decisions and watching people interact here has been an absolute joy,” said RDG Partner and Landscape Architect Kene Okigbo, PLA, ASLA. “It’s also exciting to see local nonprofits activating adjacent spaces — the trail is becoming a catalyst for affordable housing, reentry programs and more active transportation in the neighborhood.”

Located at the intersection of Hamilton Street and Military Avenue, the trailhead offers the community a playground, recreation opportunities, an amphitheater and an outdoor classroom, all while providing a safe route to schools and promoting active transportation. The newest segment represents Phase 3A of a five-phase project that will ultimately create a continuous trail through North Omaha, connecting to the North Omaha Transit Center upon its anticipated completion in 2026.