Community Effort Brings Beloved Park Icons Back to Life in Douglas County

Several longtime features of Douglas County parks are getting a new lease on life thanks to a collaborative effort between county officials, local businesses, and community members.

Douglas County recently completed restoration work on three historic playground displays that have been part of local family memories for generations. The project included “Willie” the whale water feature at River Forks County Park, along with helicopter play structures at both River Forks County Park and Charles V. Stanton County Park.

The restored displays are more than playground equipment. For many residents, they represent childhood memories and shared experiences that span decades. County officials say the emotional connection became clear when one of the structures was temporarily removed during construction and questions from the public followed almost immediately.

According to Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall, the response highlighted how deeply rooted these features are in the community. Many adults who once played on them now return to the parks with their own children, creating a sense of continuity that few park amenities can offer.

The structures required significant restoration to ensure they meet current safety standards while remaining true to their original appearance. Local business Eveland Sandblasting and Paint stepped in to assist with the project, recognizing the importance of preserving the displays rather than replacing them outright.

Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice said the partnership reflects the strength of local involvement and pride in shared spaces. He noted that having a local company come forward to help preserve these assets speaks to what makes the county a special place to live and raise families.

The return of “Willie” the whale was especially meaningful. Installed in 1969, the whale display and its companion feature have long been among the most recognizable elements of River Forks County Park. Their restoration reinforces the value of maintaining amenities that hold personal and historical significance for residents across generations.

The project has also sparked new ideas for future community involvement. Following completion of the whale restoration, the son of the Eveland Sandblasting and Paint contractor, an Eagle Scout, expressed interest in working with his troop to create a replica whale feature for Windy Cove County Park on the coast. The Douglas County Parks Department expects to begin discussions with the scouts later this winter.

Wall said the strong public response to the restorations serves as a reminder of why preserving these icons matters. The displays, he said, are tied to decades of memories and shared experiences that continue to bring people back to the parks.

Douglas County Parks Department, established in 1949, was the first county park system developed in Oregon. Today, it manages 68 properties across the county, including campgrounds, day use parks, and boat ramps spanning landscapes from the coast to the Cascades.