THOR Receives Laurel Award for Environment & Open Space
Celebrating the Adams Park Trails Project and the Power of Community Partnerships
We’re honored to share that Trails Have Our Respect (THOR)—alongside our project partners at the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and Omaha Parks & Recreation—has been awarded the Omaha by Design Laurel Award for Environment & Open Space for our work on the Adams Park natural surface trails project.
This recognition was presented at the 2025 Laurels Awards, Omaha by Design’s signature annual event celebrating the people, organizations, and ideas shaping our city’s built environment in thoughtful and inspiring ways. Hosted at Catalyst Omaha, the region’s premier innovation hub in the emerging EDGE District, the evening highlighted meaningful contributions to design, community planning, and placemaking across the metro.
A Milestone for Natural Surface Trails in Omaha
Receiving this award is more than an acknowledgment of a single project—it’s a reflection of how far the region has come in recognizing the value of natural surface trails, access to nature, and community-centered outdoor spaces.
The Adams Park trail project represents a growing belief that trails should exist close to where people live—creating welcoming, accessible recreational opportunities for youth, families, and residents across North Omaha and beyond.
We’re humbled to see trails earning a place in conversations about design excellence, public space, and community well-being.
Why This Work Matters
At THOR, we believe that trails, access to nature, and safe outdoor spaces are essential to building healthy, connected, and resilient communities. These spaces don’t just support recreation—they strengthen neighborhoods, improve physical and mental well-being, and help cities attract and retain families, employees, and businesses.
The Adams Park project is a testament to what can happen when community partners come together around a shared vision of accessible, equitable outdoor recreation.
All Wheels Zone at Adams Park, Omaha, NE 2025
Gratitude to Our Partners and Community
This award belongs to everyone who helped shape this project and advocates for trails across the Omaha metro:
The dedicated team at Omaha Parks & Recreation,
Our skilled colleagues at IMBA,
The volunteers, residents, youth riders, walkers, and trail users who show how important these spaces are every day.
Thank you to Omaha by Design for this incredible honor—and thank you to the trail community that continues to inspire, support, and energize this work.
Together, we’re bringing meaningful outdoor experiences closer to home and ensuring that Omaha’s trail network grows stronger, more accessible, and more connected for years to come.
Learn more about Omaha by Design and The Laurel Awards
