The Play Meadow at The Prairies

Project Description

The Play Meadow at The Prairies exemplifies the role of engineering in creating community infrastructure that enhances quality of life. Located on a 0.73-acre parcel adjacent to the neighborhood pool and community center, the park transforms challenging grades and tight space into an accessible, multi-functional amenity.

E&A Consulting Group led engineering, municipal services, land surveying, landscape architecture, and construction administration for the $1.15M project. The firm delivered grading solutions to manage a 4-foot elevation change, ADA-compliant walking paths and crossings, drainage and stormwater systems, and utility coordination. Structural elements such as limestone seating walls and berms serve dual purposes — stabilizing grades while enhancing aesthetics.

The park features a 16-element play meadow for children ages 2–12, a swing grove with architectural gliders, flexible lawn space, and an aspen grove with a meandering trail that buffers noise while creating a natural retreat. Native prairie plantings support pollinators and reduce long-term maintenance.

Funded through a partnership of SID #537, HOA contributions, and private donations, the project also established a $50,000 maintenance reserve. E&A facilitated approvals from the Omaha Parks Department, Park Board, and City Council, ensuring compliance with City of Omaha standards while meeting the neighborhood’s vision.

The Play Meadow demonstrates how civil engineering and municipal services can shape sustainable, inclusive public spaces. By transforming raw land into a resilient and accessible park, the project sets a precedent for future neighborhood developments and showcases the engineering profession’s value in enhancing community identity, sustainability, and livability.

E&A received a ACEC Nebraska Engineering Excellence Award for our work on The Play Meadow.