Rambleridge Property Owners Association

Rambleridge Pond

Rambleridge Pond Update

Ownership, Current Challenges, and Future Planning

 

Many residents have contacted the Rambleridge Property Owners Association regarding algae growth, water quality, odors, maintenance responsibilities, and the long-term future of the pond in Rambleridge Park.

 

The RRPOA Board would like to clarify who owns the pond, explain the work that has already been done, and outline the possible next steps being discussed with the City of Omaha.

 

Pond Update at a Glance

  • The pond is owned by the City of Omaha—not RRPOA.
  • RRPOA does not have the legal authority to dredge, reconstruct, or make major changes to the pond.
  • RRPOA has supported several pond-improvement efforts over the years, but these have provided only temporary relief.
  • Decades of accumulated sediment have made the pond shallower and more susceptible to algae growth.
  • The estimated cost to dredge and restore the pond is approximately $500,000.
  • A professional feasibility study is expected to cost approximately $40,000.
  • RRPOA is encouraging the City to fund the feasibility study through its 2027 budget.
  • No RRPOA-funded study or special assessment would move forward without homeowner discussion and approval.

 

Who Owns the Pond?

The pond located in Rambleridge Park is owned by the City of Omaha.

 

Although the pond is a prominent feature of the Rambleridge neighborhood, it is not owned by RRPOA. The Association therefore does not have the legal authority to perform dredging, construction, reconstruction, or other major improvements on the property.

 

RRPOA has never been legally responsible for maintaining the pond. However, the Board has worked with City officials for many years to advocate for improvements and explore possible solutions to the pond’s algae and sediment problems.

 

What Has RRPOA Done?

 

Over the years, RRPOA has invested time and financial resources in efforts to improve the appearance and enjoyment of the pond area.

 

 These efforts have included:

 

  • Adding water during low-water periods

  • Stocking fish to support the aquatic environment

  • Treating aquatic weeds and nuisance vegetation

  • Researching algae-control options

  • Installing a fountain in 2025 to improve circulation and water quality

  • Working with City departments, engineers, and environmental professionals to evaluate long-term solutions

 

Unfortunately, many of these efforts have provided only temporary relief because they do not address the pond’s underlying sediment problem.

 

Why Does the Pond Have Algae Problems?

 

The pond was originally constructed as a stormwater retention basin. Over several decades, stormwater runoff has carried sediment into the pond.

 

As that sediment has accumulated, the pond has become increasingly shallow. Shallow, warm water creates favorable conditions for algae growth during the summer months.

 

Based on discussions with environmental professionals and City staff, the long-term challenge is not simply the visible algae. The larger issue is the accumulated sediment that has reduced the pond’s depth over time.

 

Surface treatments, fountains, aquatic vegetation treatments, and other maintenance efforts may improve conditions temporarily, but they do not remove the sediment.

 

What Are the Possible Long-Term Solutions?

 

The City of Omaha is considering a feasibility study to evaluate the pond and identify the most practical long-term solution.

 

Potential alternatives that could be studied include:

 

  1. Maintaining the pond in its current condition
  2. Dredging, restoring, and re-establishing the pond
  3. Converting the area to green space
  4. Converting the area into a bioretention or wetland feature

 

The estimated cost of dredging and restoring the pond is approximately $500,000. Any major long-term solution would therefore require significant City involvement, planning, and funding.

 

No decision has been made regarding the pond’s long-term future.

 

 

 

Why Is a Feasibility Study Needed?

 

The City of Omaha has indicated that a professional feasibility study is the appropriate next step.

 

The study would provide engineering and environmental analysis of the pond and help determine:

 

  • The current condition of the pond
  • The amount and type of accumulated sediment
  • The practicality of restoring the pond
  • The advantages and disadvantages of each alternative
  • Estimated construction and long-term maintenance costs
  • Environmental and stormwater-management implications
  • The long-term effect of each option on the neighborhood

 

The purpose of the study would be to provide reliable information before the City, RRPOA, or Rambleridge homeowners are asked to support a particular solution.

 

How Would the Feasibility Study Be Funded?

 

Preliminary discussions have estimated the cost of the feasibility study at approximately $40,000.

 

RRPOA is currently encouraging the City of Omaha to include funding for the study in its 2027 budget.

 

Should the City decide not to fund the study, another possible option would be for RRPOA to reimburse the City for the cost so the study could proceed.

 

Based on the preliminary estimate, RRPOA funding would require a special assessment of approximately $100 per Rambleridge household.

 

This is only a potential option. The Board would not proceed with a special assessment without presenting the proposal to the membership for discussion and receiving the approval required under the Association’s governing documents.

 

No special assessment has been approved or scheduled at this time.

How Can Residents Help?

 

Because the pond is owned by the City of Omaha, residents who have concerns about algae, odors, water quality, maintenance, or future improvements are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s Hotline.

 

City of Omaha Mayor’s Hotline

 

Phone: 402-444-5555
Email: hotline@cityofomaha.org
Website: omahahotline.com

 

Resident feedback helps City officials understand the importance of the pond and its condition to the Rambleridge community.

 

When contacting the City, residents may wish to mention:

 

  • Algae growth or odors
  • Water-quality concerns
  • Maintenance concerns
  • Support for funding a feasibility study
  • The importance of the pond to the Rambleridge neighborhood

 

Join the Discussion at the Annual Meeting

 

The future of the Rambleridge pond, RRPOA’s ongoing work with the City, and the potential funding of a feasibility study will be discussed at the 2026 RRPOA Annual Meeting.

 

RRPOA Annual Meeting

 

Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
5419 N. 114th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68164

 

 

All 744 Rambleridge homeowners are invited and encouraged to attend.

 

The meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to:

 

  • Learn more about the condition of the pond
  • Hear updates on discussions with the City
  • Ask questions
  • Review possible future studies and improvements
  • Discuss potential funding options should the City decline to fund the feasibility study
  • Provide input before major decisions are made
  •  

Homeowner Input Matters

 

The RRPOA Board believes that decisions of this magnitude should be made with homeowner input and participation.

 

The pond is one of Rambleridge’s most visible community features, and its future could have long-term financial, environmental, and neighborhood impacts. We encourage residents to stay informed, communicate their concerns to the City, attend the annual meeting, and participate in the discussion.

 

Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

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