Chief Yelkus Park - Molalla, Oregon

Northwest Playground partnered with the City of Molalla and Earthscape to design and build a one-of-a-kind, themed playground inspired by a traditional Native American story about a coyote and a grizzly bear. The tale featuring a swallowing match, hot stones, and strawberries comes to life through custom Earthscape play sculptures and nature-inspired materials.

At the heart of the playground is a sculpted coyote play feature, handcrafted by Earthscape, that anchors the story and sparks imaginative play. Children can climb, explore, and find a hidden strawberry inside the coyote, while other storytelling details like bear paw prints and “hot stones” on Earthscape wobble boards add layers of discovery.

A discovery wheel encourages kids to search for native Oregon animals hidden throughout the space, turning playtime into an interactive scavenger hunt. Additional play features such as log piles, bog stilts, steppers, a slide platform, and a rope crossing promote climbing, balance, and creativity.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, Chief Yelkus Park blends storytelling, tactile engagement, and accessible play to celebrate culture, imagination, and community connection.