Nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park in East Portland opens for 120th season

INCLUDES OPENING DAY VIDEO | They’ve been open all week for spring break; and they’ll be operating every weekend until school’s out, too …

As historic Oaks Amusement Park opens for the season, families fill the midway, and marvel at those brave enough to ride the AtmosFear.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Families from all over the Portland region enjoyed opening day – Saturday, March 22th – at Oaks Amusement Park, marking the beginning of its 120th season of continuous operation.

Take a look around The Oaks, as this historic “Trolley Park” opens for the season:

“Today’s the day that all of here at ‘The Oaks’ look forward to, all winter long,” Oaks Park Association Marketing & Events Director Emily MacKay told East Portland News with a happy smile.

“Our staff has been getting all of our attractions prepared, and our ride operators are trained and ready for the season,” she added.

Coming from Molalla to enjoy a day at The Oaks, these are the Kuraszewskis, riding the Carousel.

“Our big reason for celebration, though, is that this year marks a major milestone in our history – because today Oaks Park celebrates 12 decades of operation, as well as its status as the last of the historic trolley parks left on the West Coast,” MacKay said with pride.

Adults and kids enjoy a ride on the Zoom Roller Coaster.

As part of this special celebration, the rides on the Oaks Park Train and on the historic Herschell-Spillman Noah’s Ark Carousel are free, all season long, said MacKay.

This amusement park in Southeast Portland was open every day for Oregon’s Spring Break, through March 30. “And, now, we’re open every Saturday and Sunday until school gets out for the summer,” MacKay said. After that, it’s open all summer long.

Even those brave enough to ride the Adrenaline Peak looping roller coaster look a bit worried about their decision as they confront the ride’s first big drop.

The first major event at the park this spring will be the return of the Multnomah County Fair during Memorial Day Weekend – from Friday, May 23rd, to Monday, May 26th.

For information about its hours and days of operation, as well as ticket and parking prices, visit the official Oaks Amusement Park website: CLICK HERE.

>> On our Front Page: Young River and dad Reed Harkness enjoy a ride on the Herschell-Spillman Noah’s Ark Carousel.

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