The following events, programs, and activities are the result of partnerships and volunteer efforts in the Gifford Park neighborhood. Most are open and free to anyone inside or outside our neighborhood.
For the most up-to-date information on events and activities refer to our newsletter
Youth Garden | May through August
The Gifford Park Youth Garden (GPYG), started in 2004, is a free 16-week program led by volunteers and parents teaching youth how to garden on individual raised garden beds located in the Gifford Park Community Garden at 35th & Cass Street. We have chickens (and occasionally goats) on site for kids to learn animal care. GPYG is a safe space where youth can be creative with art and music, explore our natural environment, and have fun while working together, promoting good health while getting their hands dirty.
Adventure Playground | Seasonal
The Sallie Foster Adventure Playground is a play area that provides children with opportunities for unstructured free and open play in a setting that includes natural elements and materials, encouraging creativity, exploration, and self-directed risk-taking. It is part of the Gifford Park Community Garden near 35th & Cass Street. It features natural landscapes, loose parts for building and creating, and versatile play structures, all aimed at stimulating imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills. We even have a two-story tree house and zip line!
Adventure playgrounds are unique in their approach to risk, viewing it as an essential part of learning and development, and they allow children to assess and take risks, fostering resilience and confidence.
Community Garden | Seasonal
The community garden is an urban green space where volunteers practice good land stewardship along with beautifying the neighborhood and conservation of nature. We have neighborhood composting, bee hives, chickens, a little free library, memorial heart garden, theme gardens (pollinator, herb, medicinal, perennial), fruit trees, berry bushes, two-story tree house, zip line, picnic tables and benches for community gatherings. The community garden creates a safe, peaceful environment for everyone. Neighbors often meet at the community garden and share stories or just catch up on life.
Neighborhood Market | Friday Nights, June – September
Beginning in 2007 the Gifford Park Neighborhood Market has been open every Friday night 5-8p.m. June through September at 33rd & California Street. The market showcases local farmers, artists, artisans, food trucks, and live music from local musicians. It’s Omaha’s original, volunteer-run Friday night market! Market vendors sell vegetables, fruits, jellies & jams, meats, breads, baked goods, handmade soaps & candles, vintage items, honey, plants, handmade items, and much more. There are also kid’s and family activities.
Tennis Program | Summer
Since 1994 free tennis lessons have been offered to youth of all ages at Gifford Park. Each year we have a one-evening ‘Tennis Block Party’ event in mid-May, followed by June-July Wednesday morning 10 a.m.-12 p.m. lessons, and finishing with our August Wednesday evenings 6-7 p.m. program. Instructors provide tennis racquets and balls for each lesson. Participants learn basic groundstrokes, volleys and rallying skills. Parents and volunteers are welcome to help. Awards are given to youth with excellent attendance and good sportsmanship.
Soccer Camp | June and July
Since 2011 free soccer camp has been offered for 3-11 year olds on Wednesday evenings in June and July from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Gifford Park. Instructors provide soccer goals and balls for each session. Parents and volunteers are welcome to help. Prizes are given to youth with excellent attendance and good sportsmanship.