A dozen Omaha city parks and public gathering spots are in for a $10 million dollar makeover, but only one is considered a safety and security problem.

The money, federal Covid cash, approved this week by the City Council.

Mandan Park on the city’s southeast side is in line for a $1.6 million upgrade, with a good chunk of the park’s tree canopy cleared in order to eliminate what police call a long-time “criminal element.”

OPD has long complained that drug dealers and male prostitutes have plagued the park hiding in heavily wooded areas.

Matt Kalcevich, Omaha Parks: “Unfortunately, there were some negative things that were going on there. So, in an effort not to just revitalize the park, but bring in some new and unique use and open it up to a more diverse range of users, families, youth.”

The fix-up also includes up to three miles of new nature trails, playground and picnic area upgrades, and a nature center that will be the headquarters of a summer youth camp.