Cherokee Nation celebrates grand opening of Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park in Tahlequah

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Cherokee Nation on Tuesday, May 12, celebrated the grand opening of the Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park in Tahlequah, marking the completion of a $13.69 million investment in community well-being, cultural heritage, and family recreation on nearly 15 acres of land that once housed an industrial facility.

The park, which grew from a vision first proposed by First Daughter Jasmine Hoskin, stands today as one of the most significant community development achievements in recent Cherokee Nation history.

"The Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park is more than a ribbon cutting. It is a promise fulfilled to our citizens, to our children, and to the memory of a chief who devoted her life to lifting up the Cherokee people," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "Chief Mankiller believed deeply that investing in communities was the highest form of leadership. Today, as families walk these trails, gather on this lawn, and play in this park, they are living proof of that belief. We are immensely proud to honor her in a way that will be felt for generations."

Principal Chief Wilma P. Mankiller Capitol Park Act was approved by the Council of the Cherokee Nation in 2022, following a proposal by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, and later amended in 2023. The park was constructed on land previously occupied by a septic manufacturing company. After the company closed, the tribe acquired the property and began transforming it into a space that reflects the Cherokee Nation's commitment to its citizens and the enduring spirit of Gadugi, the Cherokee concept of community cooperation and working together.

Children playing at the new Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park playground during the grand opening.

"From the first conversation about what this land could become, the goal was always to create something our citizens would be proud of for decades to come," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "What we have built here is a gathering place that brings the values Chief Mankiller stood for to life in a tangible way. Whether it is families picnicking by the pavilion, elders walking the trails, or young people learning about stickball and Cherokee traditions, this park has something for everyone. That is exactly what Chief Mankiller would have wanted."

The park features an expansive playground with climbing structures, swings and slides, along with walking trails, a formal lawn suitable for events and community gatherings, a recreation field with a traditional stickball pole, an heirloom garden reflecting Cherokee agricultural traditions, a water feature, a picnic pavilion, a dog park, a multi-use sports court for basketball, pickleball, tennis and volleyball, a designated food truck area, an amphitheater for performances and public events, and a community room with a prep kitchen for indoor gatherings. Visitors may also check out sports equipment on-site, with rental kiosks planned for the near future.

Representatives of the Mankiller family, including Felicia Olaya and Charlie Soap, reviewed and approved the concept ideas for the park.

"I'm honored that Cherokee Nation continues to honor my mother, especially in this way because parks were such an important part of our life growing up, so that makes it even more special," Felicia Olaya, Wilma's daughter, said. "My mom loved to laugh, so I can just see my mom laughing, just full of joy watching these children play."

Wilma Mankiller served as the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, a position she held from 1985 to 1995. Under her leadership, family home ownership expanded, access to clean water improved, economic development opportunities grew, and educational achievement rose across the Cherokee Nation Reservation. Her legacy of empowerment, social justice, and community-centered governance continues to inspire Cherokee citizens and communities across the country.

Aeriel view of the Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park in Tahlequah.

"When I first looked at this land and imagined what it could be, I never could have pictured something this beautiful," said First Daughter Jasmine Hoskin. "Chief Mankiller is someone I have admired my entire life, and the idea that her name and her story will greet every family that visits this park is incredibly moving. I hope children who come here grow up knowing who she was, what she fought for, and what is possible when your community believes in you."

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Chief Hoskin made a public call for art under, the Artist Recovery Act, for an outdoor statue honoring the life, leadership and legacy of Chief Mankiller. Artists interested in the bid, may learn more about it here.

"Today is a great day and I think this is a great way to honor Wilma. I think she'd be happy and be out walking around the park," Charlie Soap, Wilma's husband, said. "The leadership and people of the Cherokee Nation did a great job."

(L-R): Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Wilma Mankiller's daughter Felicia Olaya, First Lady January Hoskin, First Daughter Jasmine Hoskin, Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice and Wilma's husband Charlie Soap attending the celebration for the Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park opening.

Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice also spoke about the park's tribute to Chief Mankiller's legacy.

"Wilma Mankiller understood that our connection to the land is deeply tied to our identity and our future," said Secretary Justice. "This park honors her legacy by creating a place where families can gather, children can explore, and people can connect with nature. The more people experience and value these spaces, the more inspired they are to protect them for future generations."

Donna Edmondson, a friend of the late Wilma Mankiller was also the park designer and Foreman Manhattan Construction oversaw the project.

The Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park represents one of 42 Cherokee Nation construction projects across Cherokee County since 2021, surpassing $1 billion in total investment.