Abraham Mora: Connecting the Community with Mandan Park
By Bernardo Montoya
Photos by Eric Freudenburg
In every major transformation of a public space, there are elements that do not always appear in blueprints or investment figures: the people who bring those spaces to life. In the case of the newly renovated Mandan Park in south Omaha, that role belongs to Abraham Mora, the programming and community engagement coordinator for Trails Have Our Respect (THOR), who works to ensure the park is not only built, but actively used, experienced, and embraced by the community.
“My job is to connect people with the park, especially through bike programs, educational activities, and community events. The idea is for this space to belong to everyone,” Mora explained.
Mandan Park is part of a city with an extensive network of public spaces. According to the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation system, Omaha has approximately 230 public parks, reflecting the importance of green spaces in the city’s urban life.
It is also worth noting that, according to the local tourism office, Omaha features more than 85 miles of interconnected trails for biking and recreation, known as the “Paths of Discovery.” These trails are primarily designed for recreation, exercise, and family-friendly outdoor activity.
In this context, Mora emphasized the role these spaces play in community life. “More than half of the people who use the trails do so for recreational activities like biking and exercise,” he noted, highlighting their importance as tools for health and wellness.
The impact of these trail systems can be seen directly in projects like Mandan Park. “These kinds of spaces help the community gain greater access to nature, physical activity, and organized programs,” Mora explained. “It’s not just a park—it’s a gathering place for families.”
The renovation of Mandan Park began around 2020 and 2021 as part of a regional effort focused on natural trail development in the greater Omaha area. According to the THOR Trails program (Trails Have Our Respect), the goal of the project was to strengthen the connection between nature and communities in south Omaha.
“From the beginning, the vision was to create opportunities for children and families to have consistent access to nature,” the project’s feasibility study stated, which Mora references as a foundation for the community-focused work.
Development moved forward with trail design in 2022, major construction in 2023, and a pause during 2024 and 2025 due to the construction of the park’s new community center. The trail system is now in its final preparation phase.
The investment in the trail development is approximately $900,000, part of a phased public investment process that has transformed the park over the past several years.
For Abraham Mora, the value of the project goes far beyond infrastructure. “Parks play a very important role as spaces for connection,” he said. “They are places where people can gather, exercise, and feel part of the community.”
Mora added that these spaces have a direct impact on both physical and mental well-being. “When people get outside, walk, bike, or simply spend time together, the benefits go far beyond the physical,” he explained.
Community organizations in south Omaha have already begun integrating the park into their programming. Mora shared that groups such as the Boys & Girls Club are planning walking and recreational programs within the new trail system, taking advantage of the park’s natural environment.
He also noted that the park’s location near the South 24th Street district could have a positive economic impact, as visitors often stop at nearby restaurants and local businesses.
To ensure long-term sustainability, THOR Trails, in collaboration with the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation and their regional volunteer programs, has developed a long-term maintenance plan. This includes not only park upkeep but also training opportunities for local residents.
“We want the community not only to use the park, but also to be part of its care,” Mora said. “That’s what ensures projects like this last over time.”
The official opening of Mandan Park is scheduled for June 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., marking the beginning of a new chapter for the space.
“This is a very special place for south Omaha,” Mora concluded. “It’s a space to gather, stay active, spend time with family, and reconnect with nature.”
The invitation is open to the entire community to attend the reopening. That day, Abraham Mora will be one of the voices welcoming visitors to a space that is finally becoming fully integrated into the community life of south Omaha.
To learn more about the trails at Mandan Park visit THORTRAILS.ORG or please contact Trails Have Our Respect’s Program & Engagement Coordinator, Abraham Mora, at [email protected]
