OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha parks are repurposing leftover material from a mall renovation to construct seats and fencing. The Omaha World-Herald reports that about 170 tons of limestone from the Gene Leahy Mall have been claimed for use. The limestone will be used at Hummel Park, Brown Park and Levi Carter Park, and to rebuild retaining walls along the city's trail system.
Brook Bench, the city's parks director, said Wednesday that crews used limestone to build a 300-seat amphitheater at Hummel Park, which saved the city between $30,000 and $50,000. He says a limestone amphitheater is also planned for Brown Park.
The Downtown Improvement District donated 13 mall benches to a park that opened last year. The parking lot at Levi Carter Park was also lined with limestone.