COMMUNITY PROFILES / SARPY COUNTY

County Offices
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 402-593-2100
https://www.sarpy.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
502 Olson Drive
Papillion, NE 402-339-3050
https://www.sarpychamber.org/

Services
While the major malls and amenities of Omaha are easily accessible from Sarpy County, residents enjoy the growing base of services and commerce that accompany rapid residential development. Nebraska’s fastest growing county now claims its third largest city, Bellevue—second only to Omaha and the state capital of Lincoln in population. Alegent Health System’s Midlands Community Hospital in Papillion provides state-of-the-art healthcare close to home, although emergency care centers and skilled professionals are available throughout the county.

Area youth receive an outstanding education in Sarpy County school districts, a favorable situation that is further enhanced by the availability of private schools and the convenience of a major university close to home. Awarding degrees in more than 20 disciplines, Bellevue University attracts students from across the metropolitan area to its expansive, scenic campus.

Quality of Life
In spite of all the changes that have taken place in Sarpy County since the days of Lewis and Clark, the region is still a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Rich in natural resources and steeped in historical significance, Sarpy County is ideally located just south of metropolitan Omaha. Newcomers will find rugged and picturesque hiking trails, scenic biking and walking paths, and fishing holes shaded by large old trees. During the summer months, outdoor concerts under the stars, street dances, carnival midways, and parades bring together friends, family, and neighbors.

Here, events that celebrate the county’s military and agricultural heritage are colorful and plentiful. In fact, the county hosts one of the Midwest’s largest events—the Offutt Air Force Base Open House and Air Show. With 30,000 military personnel and their dependents occupying about 4,000 acres of land, Offutt Air Force Base is actually a ‘city’ of its own. Sarpy County residents agree that Offutt personnel enrich the quality of life, not only boosting the economy but volunteering generously to local clubs, churches, parent-teacher associations, charitable endeavors, and sports events.

Bellevue
City Hall
402-293-3021
https://www.bellevue.net

Chamber of Commerce
402-898-3000
https://www.bellevuenebraska.com/

Newcomers to Bellevue will discover a well-developed community with a fine balance of residential, commercial, and military segments. The presence of Offutt Air Force Base enriches the city in a variety of ways, from economic gains to impressive social and civic contributions. Shopping centers, restaurants, a golf course, and efficient transportation links make this a convenient and yet tranquil place to call home.

Steeped in history, Bellevue has all the “Olde Town charm” that you would expect to find in the county’s oldest city. Yesterday’s rural flavor is well preserved in lush parks, rural drives, and the nearby expanse of Fontenelle Forest. At the same time, handsome new housing developments, the beautiful campus of Bellevue University, bustling commercial centers, and outstanding public and private schools attest to the city’s progressive attitude.

Gretna
City Hall
402-332-3336
https://www.gretnane.org/

Chamber of Commerce
402-332-3535
https://www.gretnachamber.com/

In spite of an influx of new residents and proliferation of modern housing developments, Gretna holds fast to the small-town spirit and closely knit relationships that are cherished by long-time residents. The first population surge for Gretna occurred when major industrial development stretched as far as the Millard area in the 1960s. The town’s population doubled the 1990s, and has continued to experience rapid growth and expansion in all sectors.

The close proximity of Schramm State Park ensures a wealth of recreational opportunities, including regional attractions like the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium and Outdoor Education Center. Residents can picnic, hike, or just relax in a setting of natural beauty. A favored site among the locals is the Platte River overlook at the state park—a spectacular vista at sunrise or sunset.

La Vista
City Hall
402-331-4343
http://www.ci.la-vista.ne.us/

Sarpy County’s newest community has rapidly transformed from its genesis as a cluster of affordable houses in 1960. Bridging the space between Ralston and Papillion, La Vista is filling former farmland with lovely new homes and welcoming neighborhoods. In fact, banners drape from the streetlights to distinguish the boundaries of the city from its neighboring communities.

Following the construction of a community center, the Metropolitan Community College and the La Vista Public Library are moving into a $9.1 million facility. Incorporated just 38 years ago, La Vista has actually evolved into a center of commercial activity in central Sarpy County, particularly along 84th Street. Together with the neighboring city of Papillion, the community forms one of the county’s major population centers.

Papillion
City Hall
402-597-2000
https://www.papillion.org/

Chamber of Commerce
402-339-3050
https://www.sarpychamber.org/

As proud of its heritage and rich history as its growth and development, Papillion strikes a pleasing balance between yesterday’s charm and modern convenience. Agriculture is still a viable element of the community, although local farmers are looking beyond their fields to new housing developments, a business park, and the YMCA. A recent enrichment to the recreational amenities is Walnut Creek Lake.

Commercial and business expansion shows no signs of slowing in this Omaha suburb. The city is home to the Sarpy County government offices, Midlands Community Hospital, and a main street that plays a vital role in one of the metro area’s busiest commercial strips. Education is highly respected in this family oriented environment, where new schools keep pace with residential growth.

Springfield
City Hall
402-253-2204
https://springfieldnebraska.com/

Chamber of Commerce
402-339-3050
https://www.sarpychamber.org/

Just minutes from the Millard area of Omaha is the rural town of Springfield, a postcard picture of small-town charm. The main street business district reflects the American ideal of the 1950s, crowned by the favored gathering place of an old-fashioned soda fountain at the local pharmacy. Here, in the two-block commercial area is a blend of practical retail establishments like seed and supply stores as well as basic services.

Although the streets of Springfield are usually tranquil, the entire city springs to life each year as it hosts the colorful Sarpy County Fair. Like most people who live in small Nebraska towns, Springfield residents tend to wave a friendly greeting to each other and take an active interest in each other’s well being. School, church, and community play a vital role in daily activities, drawing residents together for fun, relaxation, or shared responsibilities. Working together to build a strong community is a point of pride.