Hager Family Springs at Sophia’s Play Garden (Lauritzen Gardens)

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Project Type

Location

Omaha, Nebraska

Year Completed

2025

Following the construction of the new Production Greenhouse Facility on the site of the existing Children's Garden, Lauritzen Gardens aimed to create a larger, more interactive garden experience for children. A site was chosen adjacent to the existing Visitor's Center, and the project broke ground in 2022. The 1.3 acre interactive play garden opened to the public on May 26, 2025.

Sophia's Play Garden, named in honor of the daughter of donors Polina and Bob Schlott, includes 13 learning/activity areas that kids can experience sequentially or individually. While exploring the garden, kids can find places to play, interact with nature, and learn something new. Activity areas include a plant petting zoo, a building area, indoor and outdoor classrooms, tree houses, a little free library, a puppet theater, a spider-web climbing area, a lookout over the Missouri River, and so much more!

The water play area, the Hager Family Springs, offers a refreshing spot to cool down. It also serves the greater Lauritzen Gardens by cycling water through the play area, capturing it in a series of ponds and wetlands, and using it for irrigation, ending in a gray water system.

This nature-filled adventure has already turned heads throughout the region and is sure to be a welcome addition to the City of Omaha’s growing tourist attractions.


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