Katie Bassett ’05: A Champion for The RiverFront Park System

*Bassett is fourth from the right in the ribbon-cutting photo and enjoying the slide in the original park in her youth.

Katie Bassett ‘05* says her time at Skutt Catholic instilled in her a strong sense of community and service to others, which have been central to her career path. Skutt Catholic also taught her the importance of valuing and listening to others, a skill that has served her well throughout her professional journey.

After graduation, Katie attended Dakota University where she played volleyball and earned a degree in Business Administration. She eventually went on to work at the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), a nonprofit organization responsible for operating major venues in Omaha.

Katie serves as the Vice President of Parks at MECA, oversaw and managed the $350 million development and operation of The RiverFront, a revitalized park system in downtown Omaha. The RiverFront project was a significant undertaking, combining three parks into a cohesive space and incorporating features like a children’s play area, a dog park, and a performance stage.

As Vice President of Parks, Katie is also responsible for managing the park’s day-to-day operations, including operations, maintenance, and programming while also serving as a community liaison for The RiverFront leading public outreach opportunities and ensuring communication with local stakeholders. Under her leadership, The RiverFront has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, hosting over 750 free events each year and welcoming over 1.5 million visitors annually.

Katie’s dedication to her work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including:

• Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association for 2024
• Urban Land Institute’s 2024 Award of Excellence in North America recognizing design and community impact
• Omaha by Design Awards for Environment and Open Space

Her passion for creating vibrant public spaces has made a lasting impact on the city of Omaha.