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News Release

01-27-2026 Community Partnership Restores Historic Children’s Displays In Two Douglas County Parks (Photo) - 01/27/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

January 27, 2026

 

Community Partnership Restores Historic Children’s Displays in Two Douglas County Parks

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Parks Department, through the support of the community, are excited to announce that they were able to preserve the history, character, and family-centered experiences that define the Douglas County Park system through a coordinated restoration partnership with local Douglas County business. The partnership focused on restoring three historic park displays; “Willie” the Whale water display at River Forks County Park and helicopter play structures located at both Charles V. Stanton County Park and River Forks County Park. These iconic structures, long woven into the memories of local families across multiple generations, serve as both recreational amenities and a piece of Douglas County’s history.

 

“They’re icons. You’ve got generations of adults that grew up with them as kids, and now they’re bringing their own kids back to those same parks. I didn’t fully realize how strong that community attachment was until we pulled one during construction and people immediately started asking, ‘Where’s the helicopter?’” explained Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall.

 

The displays required restoration so they could be safely enjoyed for years to come while meeting today’s safety standards for playground equipment. Knowing how special they are to the community and drawing from their own childhood memories local Douglas County business Eveland Sandblasting and Paint stepped up to help the Douglas County Parks Department bring the structures back to life while preserving their historic character and charm.

 

“It was great to have a local company understand the significance of these particular assets to our community and come forward wanting to help. THAT is what makes Douglas County a great place to live, work, and play!” explained Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice.

 

The restoration of ‘Willie’ the whale at River Forks County Park marked a particularly meaningful milestone. The ‘Willie” and “Baby” whale display at River Forks County Park are one of the park’s most recognizable features since their installation in 1969, the whale’s return reaffirmed the importance of preserving amenities that carry deep personal and historical connections for Douglas County residents.

 

Once restored, the project also opened the door to new opportunities for community involvement. Following completion of the River Forks County Park whale restoration, the Eveland Sandblasting and Paint contractor’s son, an Eagle Scout, has expressed interest in creating a replica whale feature for the coast at Windy Cove County Park with his troop, that would bring back a once prominent and loved structure to our coastal community. Douglas County Parks Departments anticipates beginning the proposal process with the scouts later this winter, reflecting how community-driven efforts continue to ensure Douglas County’s historic park displays are preserved for future generations.

 

“They represent decades of memories. When you see how many people are emotionally invested in keeping

them, it reinforces why preserving these icons matter,” Wall said.

 

The Douglas County Parks Department, a division of Douglas County Government, was established in 1949 and was the first County Park system to be developed in the state of Oregon. From the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades and throughout the 100 Valleys of the Umpqua, the Douglas County Park system encompasses 68 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds and 42-day use parks. For more information, or to locate a park, campground, or boat ramp near you, visit the Douglas County Parks Department’s webpage at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks

 

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov 

 

Kai Rodriguez, Public Affairs Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | (541) 440-4493 office | (541) 391-2092 cell | kai.rodriguez@douglascountyor.gov

 

Photo 1: “Willie” and “Baby” Whale Displays at River Forks County Park 

 

Photo 2: Helicopter Display at River Forks County Park

 

Photo 3: Helicopter Display at Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground Photo

 

© K.Rodriguez/Douglas County Oregon

Attached Media Files: WillieandBaby.jpg, RiverForksHelicopter.jpg, StantonParkHelicopter.jpg,

01-27-2026 Community Partnership Restores Historic Children’s Displays In Two Douglas County Parks (Photo) - 01/27/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

January 27, 2026

 

Community Partnership Restores Historic Children’s Displays in Two Douglas County Parks

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Parks Department, through the support of the community, are excited to announce that they were able to preserve the history, character, and family-centered experiences that define the Douglas County Park system through a coordinated restoration partnership with local Douglas County business. The partnership focused on restoring three historic park displays; “Willie” the Whale water display at River Forks County Park and helicopter play structures located at both Charles V. Stanton County Park and River Forks County Park. These iconic structures, long woven into the memories of local families across multiple generations, serve as both recreational amenities and a piece of Douglas County’s history.

 

“They’re icons. You’ve got generations of adults that grew up with them as kids, and now they’re bringing their own kids back to those same parks. I didn’t fully realize how strong that community attachment was until we pulled one during construction and people immediately started asking, ‘Where’s the helicopter?’” explained Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall.

 

The displays required restoration so they could be safely enjoyed for years to come while meeting today’s safety standards for playground equipment. Knowing how special they are to the community and drawing from their own childhood memories local Douglas County business Eveland Sandblasting and Paint stepped up to help the Douglas County Parks Department bring the structures back to life while preserving their historic character and charm.

 

“It was great to have a local company understand the significance of these particular assets to our community and come forward wanting to help. THAT is what makes Douglas County a great place to live, work, and play!” explained Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice.

 

The restoration of ‘Willie’ the whale at River Forks County Park marked a particularly meaningful milestone. The ‘Willie” and “Baby” whale display at River Forks County Park are one of the park’s most recognizable features since their installation in 1969, the whale’s return reaffirmed the importance of preserving amenities that carry deep personal and historical connections for Douglas County residents.

 

Once restored, the project also opened the door to new opportunities for community involvement. Following completion of the River Forks County Park whale restoration, the Eveland Sandblasting and Paint contractor’s son, an Eagle Scout, has expressed interest in creating a replica whale feature for the coast at Windy Cove County Park with his troop, that would bring back a once prominent and loved structure to our coastal community. Douglas County Parks Departments anticipates beginning the proposal process with the scouts later this winter, reflecting how community-driven efforts continue to ensure Douglas County’s historic park displays are preserved for future generations.

 

“They represent decades of memories. When you see how many people are emotionally invested in keeping

them, it reinforces why preserving these icons matter,” Wall said.

 

The Douglas County Parks Department, a division of Douglas County Government, was established in 1949 and was the first County Park system to be developed in the state of Oregon. From the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades and throughout the 100 Valleys of the Umpqua, the Douglas County Park system encompasses 68 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds and 42-day use parks. For more information, or to locate a park, campground, or boat ramp near you, visit the Douglas County Parks Department’s webpage at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks

 

### 

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov 

 

Kai Rodriguez, Public Affairs Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | (541) 440-4493 office | (541) 391-2092 cell | kai.rodriguez@douglascountyor.gov

 

Photo 1: “Willie” and “Baby” Whale Displays at River Forks County Park 

 

Photo 2: Helicopter Display at River Forks County Park

 

Photo 3: Helicopter Display at Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground Photo

 

© K.Rodriguez/Douglas County Oregon

Attached Media Files: WillieandBaby.jpg, RiverForksHelicopter.jpg, StantonParkHelicopter.jpg,