Council backs turnback application for Tranquility Park expansion and hears related bond item

The Omaha City Council approved a resolution to submit a state turnback tax application to support expansion of Tranquility Park and heard related bond and lease‑purchase items tied to the project.

Jennifer Taylor of the City Law Department described the Tranquility application as a city application submitted in conjunction with the Omaha Public Facilities Corporation; she said the park is a city‑owned asset and the project would be largely funded with "brand new" sales‑tax revenues generated by the expanded facility, occupation taxes and tournament activity. Taylor said the city would pursue every possible financing source and that some budgeted funds remain available for the park.

Councilmember Melton emphasized the community and youth benefits of expanding the park and said the city is seeking to increase the number of fields from 12 toward 16, install turf, add concessions and parking, and improve circulation and trails. Jacqueline Morrison from the mayor’s office presented design renderings and data showing where current park users originate; the discussion noted potential for hotels and restaurants to be catalyzed by larger tournaments.

Councilmember Festersen described the project as oriented toward families and estimated a $30–36 million positive economic impact depending on field count; he said the project is already further along in procurement and construction planning than downtown stadium items and that the council would consider bond ordinances in coming weeks.

Council voted to approve the turnback application and related motions by roll call (7–0). Council also opened a public hearing on a separate lease purchase agreement and bond ordinances tied to park financing as part of ongoing review; further ordinance votes were expected at subsequent meetings.