Pokémon Geodude Park Coming to Morioka in April 2026

Playgrounds are getting a Pokémon makeover in Japan's Iwate Prefecture. The Pokémon Company announced it will donate six playground equipment pieces themed after Geodude and Rock-type Pokémon to Morioka City, with the park scheduled to open in April 2026.

The donation ceremony took place November 18, 2025 at Morioka City Hall, complete with appearances from mascot versions of Ishitsubute (Geodude's Japanese name) and Iwanko (Rockruff). This marks the third such park in Iwate Prefecture, following successful installations in Kuji City and Kitakami City.

Why Geodude Represents Iwate

The connection between Geodude and Iwate runs deeper than most regional mascot partnerships. When The Pokémon Company and Iwate Prefecture signed their collaboration agreement in May 2019, Geodude wasn't chosen randomly—the prefecture's name in Japanese kanji (岩手) literally combines the characters for "rock" (岩) and "hand" (手), perfectly describing the Rock/Ground-type Pokémon's appearance.

This wordplay made Geodude the obvious choice for Iwate's official support Pokémon under the "Pokémon Local Acts" initiative, where specific Pokémon help promote regional tourism and culture across Japan. The partnership has since expanded from simple promotional activities into tangible community improvements like these playground donations.

Part of My First Pokémon Project

The Morioka park falls under The Pokémon Company's "My First Pokémon Project," an initiative designed to introduce children to Pokémon through familiar everyday spaces rather than just games and media. By transforming ordinary parks into Pokémon-themed play areas, the company creates memorable physical experiences that connect young children with the franchise.

The six donated equipment pieces will feature Geodude and other Rock-type Pokémon designs integrated into climbing structures, slides, and interactive elements. Additional surrounding facilities and amenities will complement the play equipment, though specific details about individual structures haven't been disclosed yet.

Third Park Strengthens Regional Identity

Morioka's park joins two existing Ishitsubute Parks in Iwate Prefecture. The first opened in Kuji City at the Iwate Kita-Sanriku Roadside Station event plaza, featuring climbing equipment shaped like Geodude. The second installation in Kitakami City continued the theme, establishing a recognizable pattern that visitors now associate with Iwate.

This consistency strengthens Iwate's identity as "Geodude's home prefecture" while providing families with multiple destinations to visit. The parks encourage tourism within the region as collectors and Pokémon fans seek out all three locations, similar to how Pokémon manhole covers (Poké Lids) have become popular photo destinations across Japan.

Community-Focused Pokémon Partnerships

The Pokémon Company doesn't charge royalties for these ambassadorial Pokémon partnerships, making them accessible to local governments seeking unique ways to engage their communities. Beyond playground equipment, the collaborations often include product development with traditional local crafts, regional specialty items, and Pokémon-themed events.

Iwate's partnership has already produced promotional music videos, stamp rallies, and merchandise featuring Geodude alongside local imagery. The playground donations represent the initiative's most substantial physical investment, creating lasting infrastructure that serves communities for years rather than temporary promotional campaigns.

Opening Details

The Ishitsubute Park in Morioka will be located in the Motomiya area at Hebiyashiki. While the April 2026 opening has been confirmed, an exact date hasn't been announced. The park will be publicly accessible once completed, continuing The Pokémon Company's tradition of creating free community spaces rather than charging admission.

Families interested in visiting the existing Ishitsubute Parks can find them at the Iwate Kita-Sanriku Roadside Station in Kuji City and the designated location in Kitakami City. All three parks together form a Geodude-themed trail across Iwate Prefecture, offering a unique way to explore the region while engaging with Pokémon culture.

Game Information

The Morioka Ishitsubute Park represents another step in The Pokémon Company's long-term commitment to creating real-world connections between children and Pokémon, while supporting local communities through infrastructure donations that benefit families for generations.