Gifford

Did you know that Gifford Park Drive (the now closed historic roadway through Mandan Park) was named for Dr. Harold Gifford? The Gifford Park Neighborhood Association and Gifford Farm also share this honor.

Dr. Gifford, according to the Gifford Park Neighborhood Website, was “an ophthalmologist, philanthropist and an amateur naturalist.” He founded Methodist Hospital and also was one of the founders of the Nebraska Medical Center. Furthermore, he was a world-renowned surgeon.

Dr. Gifford was passionate about preserving nature…for everyone. He helped found Fontenlle Forest (most of which consists of land he donated). He was also instrumental in the creation of Mandan Park. Using his own invention to prevent erosion, rip-rapping, he oversaw methods to control erosion along the Missouri River. He also led the efforts to create a riverfront drive due to the spectacular views from Mandan and Mount Vernon. While the riverfront drive project was ultimately abandoned, Mandan Park and Mount Vernon Gardens are a testimony to his dream.

Dr. Gifford was especially interested in preserving land for endangered wildlife along the Missouri River, considering it to be one of their last refuges. He spent hours along the Missouri River walking and exploring.

According to the Audubon Society, Fontenlle Forest, Mandan Park’s neighbor, contains 246 species of birds as well as 35 species of warblers. It is one of the top 10 warbler viewing spots in the entire country. It is also one of the only places in Nebraska where red-shouldered hawks and pileated woodpeckers have nested. Mandan Park and Mount Vernon Garden share in this distinction, although the Audubon Society fails to mention this. We ourselves have observed the warblers and pileated woodpecker families. Fontenelle Forest is also the home of the severely endangered Northern Long Eared Bat, which more than likely is in Mandan Park, as well. As such, Mandan enjoys the distinction of being one of the last places in Nebraska where people can enjoy seeing these species for free.

As a park, Mandan exemplifies the philosophy of Dr. Harold Gifford, who said nature should be able to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of income level. Hopefully the revamping of the park will keep this philosophy in mind and protect all of the rarer species that call it home, as well as enabling everyone, no matter where they are from in Omaha, to enjoy it.. Jacky Paulson

Picture below taken from one of our postcards showing what we all know as Gifford Park Drive