It's a lighter news week, but a few things moved. The City Council approved a big bond for park upgrades while last week's zoning votes are still unresolved, a new tire shop opened in the Tower District, and Papillion is asking for your vote (literally) to become a Hallmark filming location. Add a Storm Chasers homestand and a return to regular library programming, and there's plenty to do around town too.
🏗️ Development & Business
Les Schwab Tire Center has opened its first Omaha-area location in Papillion's Tower District. The Oregon-based tire chain opened at 121 Scott Road, just north of 84th and Highway 370, on August 20. The company plans two more Omaha-metro locations, near 204th and F Street and near 165th and West Maple Road. Grow Omaha
🏛️ Local Politics & Civic News
The City Council approved a $9.5 million bond Tuesday to fund upgrades at three city parks. The largest piece expands the Papio Bay Aquatic Center with a lazy river, new slides, and additional splash features; Papio Bay will close for the entire 2027 season during construction and reopen in 2028. The bond also fully funds a $1.2 million accessible playground at Halleck Park Pavilion, expected to open by summer or fall of 2027, and puts $600,000 toward a $2 million First Street trailhead connecting downtown to the YMCA on 72nd Street along Papio Creek, targeted for summer 2027. The city isn't raising taxes to pay for any of it: funding comes from the half-cent sales tax voters approved in 2016 for parks and recreation projects, with the rest from city reserves. WOWT
Still no official word on the Missing Middle rewrite or the Trumble Hills development. Both were up for a final vote at last Tuesday's council meeting: the citywide zoning rewrite that folds in "Missing Middle" housing (ORD. 2093) and the 235-lot Trumble Hills subdivision near S 66th St and Cedardale Rd. As of this writing, the city hasn't posted minutes or a result for either item. We'll report the outcome once it's public. The Council's next regular meeting is Tuesday, September 1 at 7 p.m. at Papillion City Hall, 122 E. 3rd St., where you can also speak during Comments from the Floor on anything else. City's Agenda Center
🌳 Around Papillion
Papillion is a finalist for Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town of 2026, and the winning community gets to serve as a filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie. The nomination centers on Winter Wonderland, the downtown holiday lighting celebration the Papillion Community Foundation and city Parks Department have put on since 2009. "The number one thing we hear each holiday season from visitors to Papillion is, 'Wow, I feel like I'm in a Hallmark movie,'" Mayor David Black said. Voting is open through September 4, once per day per person. Vote for Papillion · City Lifestyle
The Landing reopens Monday after its annual cleaning closure. City announcement
📅 This Week's Events (August 24 – 30)
📚 Toddler Storytime (family-friendly)
📍 Sump Memorial Library, 222 N. Jefferson St.
🕙 Mon., Aug. 24, 10:00–10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, and movement for toddlers and their grown-ups. Library calendar
🥕 Papillion Farmers Market (family-friendly)
📍 Papillion City Park
🕔 Wed., Aug. 26, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors. Dogs welcome on a short leash. Market info
⚾ Omaha Storm Chasers vs. St. Paul Saints (family-friendly)
📍 Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way
🕡 Sat., Aug. 26, 6:35 p.m.
Minor league baseball at Papillion's own ballpark, part of a weekend series against St. Paul. Tickets & schedule
🎩 Makerspace Module: Hats
📍 Sump Memorial Library, 222 N. Jefferson St.
🕕 Thu., Aug. 27, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Drop-in craft session customizing hats in the library's makerspace. Library calendar
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