Omaha, Neb. – In the not-so-distant future, the sounds of kids chasing soccer balls across green fields, basketballs echoing off gym floors, and cheers from proud families will fill the air at Levi Carter Park. Wrestling mats will pad the floors inside a bustling complex filled with energy, movement and opportunity. Just steps from the north shore of Carter Lake, this vision is beginning to take shape.

On April 9th, Schemmer joined city leaders, state officials and community advocates to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Levi Carter Park Activity and Sports Complex, an ambitious, community-driven project designed to uplift and unite.

Set to open in fall 2026, the $45 million complex will be the largest basketball facility in Omaha, with 10 indoor courts, space for volleyball, wrestling, and soccer, as well as education and wellness amenities. The building itself spans approximately 114,000 square feet and is surrounded by green space, picnic shelters, trails and two “mega fields” designed to host four full-size soccer games.

“This started with a quick phone call nearly three years ago,” said Dan Kerns, Project Manager. “It’s been an odyssey since then, lots of collaboration, persistence, and passion. We’re so excited to break ground and bring this vision to life.”

Key features of the Levi Carter Park Activity and Sports Complex include:

Indoor Facility:

• 10 basketball courts
• 14 volleyball courts
• 2-ring wrestling mat room
• Fitness center
• Computer lab
• High-tech classroom
• Meeting rooms
• Commons lobby and gathering space
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the facility
• Telehealth rooms

Outdoor Amenities:

• 4 full-size soccer fields (organized into 2 “mega fields”)
• Picnic shelters
• Trails for walking and recreation
• Grills and picnic tables
• Grand lawn for public gatherings and events

Designed for more than sports

While the facility’s athletic scale is impressive, what makes it truly special is its purpose. The complex will serve as a community anchor in a historically underserved part of Omaha, offering not only space for sports and tournaments, but also a computer lab, fitness center, telehealth rooms, meeting spaces and free Wi-Fi throughout. In many ways, it’s a park first with a game-changing building at its heart.

“The groundbreaking speeches said it all, it’s about the kids,” said Kerns. “This facility will be a catalyst for more services and more opportunities. As an architect, that’s incredibly rewarding. We’re not just designing a building. We’re helping shape lives.”

Community-centered and future-focused

The project reflects a deep investment in the future of North Omaha families, bringing new life to a beloved community space and creating a place where generations can reconnect. With thoughtful planning and strong collaboration across city and community leaders, the complex honors the legacy of Levi Carter Park while building something entirely new for the next generation.

Schemmer is providing comprehensive architecture and engineering services for the complex, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing design. The team worked closely with city officials, parks staff and local advocates to design a facility that not only serves the neighborhood today but grows with it in the years ahead.

“We see this becoming a regional destination,” said Kerns. “It’s right by the airport, close to hotels and downtown. It’s positioned to bring in tournaments, visitors and new energy to the area. And long-term, I think it’s going to change a lot for the better.”

Looking ahead

Once construction is complete, the facility will be operated by the City of Omaha’s Parks Department. But the impact of the Levi Carter Park Activity and Sports Complex will extend well beyond its doors.

At Schemmer, we’re honored to play a role in a project that brings people together, strengthens communities, and reflects what’s possible when vision, design and purpose come together. The groundwork has been laid—literally and figuratively—for something truly transformational.

Thank you to our design partners

Schemmer is proud to collaborate with a talented group of professionals helping bring the Levi Carter Park Activity and Sports Complex to life:

• Hastings Chivetta – Design Architect
• Confluence – Landscape Architecture and Community Engagement
• Ie Design – Interior Design
• Houston Engineering – Environmental
• FHU – Traffic Engineering
• Thiele Geotech – Geotechnical

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures, it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With eight offices across five states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

Our Comprehensive Services:

• Architecture
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Site/Civil Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water/Wastewater Engineering
• Surveying
• Interior Design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Field Services

At Schemmer, we don’t just design—we create lasting impact. Let’s design a better future together.

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