MISSION

Back to the River seeks to enhance the quality of life for citizens of the region by supporting the creation, expansion and public use of parks, recreation, habitat and open space along our 64 mile boundary of the Missouri River, from Mondamin, Iowa, south, to the mouth of the Platte River.

To accomplish our mission partnerships are key.  We provide coordination, financial support and planning in conjunction with a varied group of sponsors.  The Project Section recognizes our many partners and their projects.

PROJECTS

Over $96 million!  That’s the estimated value of the projects we’ve supported. 

Our work illustrates the diversity of the Missouri River and reflects our Mission, Vision and Goals.   For example, we partnered on the award winning Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and sponsored the Missouri River Relief Organization’s reoccurring river clean-ups.

Our efforts to assist in the expansion of Fontenelle Forest within the Boyer Chute Natural Wildlife Refuge boundaries and secure the Heinz Property exemplify our commitment to environmental stewardship and the enhancement of wildlife habitat.  

The Missouri River is rich in history.  As a result, historic Interpretation and education are incorporated into many of our projects.   Public art has also found its way into our sponsorships.  Both local and national artists are showcased within facilities we’ve partnered.  

We’ve also used our projects to promote learning opportunities.  For example, elementary students played a critical role in the Children’s Art Wall and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail Exhibit.  And to help envision a new green Riverfront infrastructure, we brought together Landscape Architecture students from Iowa State and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln for a fifteen-week service studio.

We helped bring “fun” Back to the River!  Our early vision resulted in a trail system along both sides of the Missouri River.  Now our BCycle stations make using these trails even more convenient. The parks we supported have greatly increased Riverfront visitation.  The River’s Edge Pavilion, with its views of the river and Omaha skyline, is in year round demand.  Belles’ Play Garden has become a “must visit” stop on the Riverfront and you can even play in the water playgrounds located on each side of the river.

Finally, the concerts and special events now hosted along the Riverfront attract thousands, from both Nebraska and Iowa, to come together and celebrate on the banks of the Missouri River.  Attendance for headliners like the Beach Boys, Chicago, the Band Perry, the Omaha Symphony, Shaggy, Lonestar, Collin Raye, Creedence Clearwater, TLC and 98 Degrees clearly shows our support of these events and the parks where they now perform, have successfully brought residents and visitors “Back to the River”.

Pictures and detailed information regarding all of our projects can be viewed online here or downloaded in full by viewing this PDF.