The Fontenelle Boulevard Art (FBA)lous! Project
Fontenelle Boulevard is steeped in local history, and the Clairmont Heights Neighborhood Association is spearheading efforts to celebrate its significance to the city, honor its place in Omaha history, and make it a destination for health, fitness and art appreciation.
The neighborhood group, which runs from 45th to 48th and Military Avenue/Northwest Radial Highway to Maple Street, have donated hundreds of volunteer hours to beautify and maintain the island where Fontenelle Boulevard begins, and its gardens and benches welcome all in search of a green respite. They are now expanding their efforts on the Boulevard.
a park connector
The thoroughfare’s history dates back to 1908 when Omaha’s Board of Park Commissioners acquired land to begin to bridge the long expanse between Fontenelle and Elmwood parks. This 150-foot strip of public property began at the junction of Grant Street, Military Avenue and 45th Street, ran parallel to Military Avenue for about 700 feet, then headed due north to Fontenelle Park.
Secured through eminent domain at a cost of $16,000, the parkway was laid out on land adjacent to the city limits that – for the most part – had not yet been divided by lots, blocks and streets. Officially named “Fontenelle Boulevard” is 1913, it would later join Happy Hollow Boulevard to complete the route to Elmwood Park.
The section of the boulevard leading north from Fontenelle Park to Miller Park wasn’t acquired by the city until the mid-teens. A 1917 city ordinance changed the name of the segment that runs from Ames Avenue to Curtis Avenue at 36th Street from Belvedere Boulevard to Fontenelle Boulevard.
banners & more
The CHNA has proposed a phased series of activities to celebrate Fontenelle Boulevard:
For more information about the project or how to get involved, contact us via our contact page!
Fontenelle Boulevard is steeped in local history, and the Clairmont Heights Neighborhood Association is spearheading efforts to celebrate its significance to the city, honor its place in Omaha history, and make it a destination for health, fitness and art appreciation.
The neighborhood group, which runs from 45th to 48th and Military Avenue/Northwest Radial Highway to Maple Street, have donated hundreds of volunteer hours to beautify and maintain the island where Fontenelle Boulevard begins, and its gardens and benches welcome all in search of a green respite. They are now expanding their efforts on the Boulevard.
a park connector
The thoroughfare’s history dates back to 1908 when Omaha’s Board of Park Commissioners acquired land to begin to bridge the long expanse between Fontenelle and Elmwood parks. This 150-foot strip of public property began at the junction of Grant Street, Military Avenue and 45th Street, ran parallel to Military Avenue for about 700 feet, then headed due north to Fontenelle Park.
Secured through eminent domain at a cost of $16,000, the parkway was laid out on land adjacent to the city limits that – for the most part – had not yet been divided by lots, blocks and streets. Officially named “Fontenelle Boulevard” is 1913, it would later join Happy Hollow Boulevard to complete the route to Elmwood Park.
The section of the boulevard leading north from Fontenelle Park to Miller Park wasn’t acquired by the city until the mid-teens. A 1917 city ordinance changed the name of the segment that runs from Ames Avenue to Curtis Avenue at 36th Street from Belvedere Boulevard to Fontenelle Boulevard.
banners & more
The CHNA has proposed a phased series of activities to celebrate Fontenelle Boulevard:
- Creating seasonal banners to be hung on the light poles at the intersection of Fontenelle Boulevard, Military Avenue and Northwest Radial Highway
- Planting spring blooming trees in the public right of way to unify this section of the boulevard
- Creating a series of public art sculptures that line the boulevard and celebrate the history of the area (the Clairmont Heights neighborhood is the site of Nebraska’s first flight)
For more information about the project or how to get involved, contact us via our contact page!