South Haymarket Park

A New Oasis in the Heart of Lincoln

by Tegan Colton 

Jonathan Ruff, a local biker, BMX enthusiast, and skateboarder, was ecstatic when he first heard about the new public park planned in the South Haymarket. “All I could think was, ‘Yes!’” he said. It’s a sentiment that many Lincolnites — young, old, and even four-legged — will likely share as they stroll past while it’s under construction over the next year.

The new South Haymarket Park, scheduled to open in 2026, will span over 8.5 acres of a currently vacant, triangle-shaped area southwest of 7th and N Streets, adjacent to the Canopy Park Apartments. The park will feature an inclusive playground, a fenced-in dog park, an interactive water feature and plaza, a year-round hearth, porch swings, a rentable community building with public restrooms, a bike trail, and the largest skatepark between Denver and Des Moines.

For skate enthusiasts like Ruff, it’s a dream come true. Maggie Stuckey-Ross, Director of Lincoln Parks and Recreation, believes the park will excite everyone in the community, “We think it’s going to draw a diverse crowd of both residents and visitors alike.”

The park’s design is stunning, with every element flowing together as a love letter to Nebraska, the Great Plains, and the diverse people who call this area home. Most importantly, it’s a tribute to the residents of the Haymarket area, who have been yearning for a park like this for over a decade. “Since 2008, the downtown master plan has highlighted the need for a downtown park. We know there are families raising children downtown,” Stuckey-Ross said. “We’re really lacking green space outside of the university campus, and our department has been eager to fulfill this vision with a downtown park.”

This area is home to many families and Lincolnites with varying needs who may have yet to have the opportunity to visit other parks around town. Downtown kids of all ages — from tots to teens — will particularly enjoy the new playground. “We’re providing the opportunity for fun, active play… getting kids outside, getting them moving,” Stuckey-Ross said. With four distinct play zones, the park will offer ample opportunities for inclusive play, allowing kids of all ages and abilities to play together, whether swinging, climbing, or tackling the new equipment. “You might think of it as a ninja warrior course,” Stuckey-Ross laughed. “We’re making playgrounds cool again!”

But the park is not just for children; it’s a draw for everyone in Lincoln. The interactive water feature, cleverly modeled after Nebraska’s saline wetlands, will undoubtedly attract people of all ages during our warm summer months, whether they need to cool off after a bike ride or want to watch the movement of the water. “We’re calling it Common Ground Plaza,” Stuckey-Ross said. “It will be a series of jets and pools where the water depth will rise, the jets will turn off, and the water will dissipate back into the ground before the jets pop up in a different location.” Like the rest of the park, the design mimics Nebraska’s unique natural resources and honors the land where it resides. Cottonwood trees and other native plants will adorn the area. Park designers acknowledge that the City of Lincoln is the current steward of this land, but many came before. This space will display ways to tell that story through our amenities, structures, and interpretive pieces—the plants, trees, and other features will all pay homage to those who were here before. Jon Ruff, a local biker and full-time family supervisor for The City Mission, believes this park will be a game-changer for downtown families, who previously had to travel elsewhere for fun, often without the close supervision of their parents. “The main appeal is that it’s a well-known location,” Ruff said. “We all know the Haymarket. That creates a sense of community and a safety net, where kids can be where adults are always around. This is a well-lit, familiar location, and that’s what excites me.”

The park’s location southwest of 7th and N streets will also provide a much-needed trail connection. Lincoln has an impressive trail network, including over 180 miles of commuter, multi-use, hiker, and equestrian trails, allowing people to travel from one end of the City to the other. Currently, the N Street Cycle Track, a downtown trail, ends at 7th Street, with the next trailhead at 4th and J streets. This park will bridge the gap between the Jamaican North Trailhead and the end of the cycle track, making it easier for folks to get from point A to point B.

The park will also include the City’s first inground skatepark. “We have a vibrant skate community here in Lincoln. They’ve been advocating for a larger facility to accommodate all levels of skaters, and we’re thrilled that this park gives us the opportunity to build it.” Ruff added. “There’s a stereotype that skateparks are just a bunch of concrete and are always hot. This is going to be a green skatepark with shade and benches. We know that people will want to stop and watch. This is an all-wheel skatepark. It’s for skateboarders, inline skaters, BMX riders, kids on two-wheel scooters, and roller skaters—it’s really for everyone on wheels. We know it’s going to attract all ages. The skating community sees skating as a lifelong sport, not just for the young or the old.”

The tapestry of people who call the Haymarket area home will find something to enjoy at the newest park in the city. As a testament to Lincoln, many will cherish this park for years to come.

Visit lincoln.ne.gov/SouthHaymarketPark for project and event updates.