When a community chooses to honor those who serve, it does so with intention. Bellevue, Nebraska, home to Offutt Air Force Base and generations of military families, expressed that commitment through 38,000 square feet of play and one of the city's most significant investments in outdoor recreation.
At American Heroes Park, the emphasis is not on ceremony but on a thoughtfully designed place where play brings people together.
"In all the years I've been doing this, I've never seen anything quite like it," said Julie Kutilek, owner of Creative Sites, the exclusive Burke representative partner for Nebraska and Western Iowa, who served as the project's guide from concept to completion. "This playground has it all."
She's not exaggerating. The installation is four times the size of any other playground in Bellevue — a sprawling destination that took two years to plan and brought the community out in force on opening day. Mayor Rusty Hike noted the park's placement along the river and its potential to draw visitors to everything Bellevue has to offer. "It shows off the beauty of our community," he said.
But for the families stationed at Offutt, it shows off something more: a city that sees them, honors them and built something their kids can call home — even when home keeps changing.
There's something fitting about Midwestern craftsmanship helping to strengthen Midwestern communities. And in American Heroes Park, that connection runs deep.
Play from Every Angle
Anticipation grew as the Burke convoy arrived, truckload after truckload of play rolling into Bellevue.
The playground anchors around Nucleus Evolution® structures featuring the Evolution Inclusive Climber, ensuring children of all abilities can play side by side from the start. For thrill-seekers, Level X® Extreme climbing challenges and dual ZipVenture® zip lines deliver the kind of adventure that keeps older kids coming back. Younger explorers find their footing on right-sized Synergy® play structures, while the ELEVATE® Fitness Course turns what could be passive supervision into active participation for teens and adults alike.
The interactive MOVMNT® electronic game bridges physical and digital play, while ShadePlay® Max Canopies and site amenities ensure families can settle in for the long haul. Custom military-themed graphics in the poured-in-place surfacing honor the base community without heavy-handed symbolism — a subtle salute underfoot.
And it didn’t quite seem complete until the Giant Burke Chair was put in place (because every great playground needs a photo op).
Built for Everyone
From the beginning, Bellevue made inclusivity a priority. The city wanted a space where children of all abilities could play together, not alongside each other. Ramped access, sensory-rich elements and ground-level activities ensure no child watches from the sidelines.
The result? A playground that draws 80,000 visitors annually and regularly fills with three generations at once — grandparents on the fitness course, parents helping toddlers navigate, older kids conquering the climbing challenges.
A Destination for Families
American Heroes Park has become exactly what Bellevue envisioned: a destination. Families travel from across the Omaha metro to spend an afternoon. Local businesses benefit from the increased foot traffic. And military families, whether stationed at Offutt for two years or 20, have a place they can call their own.
Play That Moves You® doesn't always look the same. Sometimes it's a quiet moment on a spinner. Sometimes it's a victory lap on the zip line ride. And sometimes it's seven truckloads of possibility, parked along the Missouri River, waiting to become home.
Looking to build a destination playground for your community? Find your representative to start the conversation.