Oaks Amusement Park opens for the season

INCLUDES VIDEO TOUR | See families from all over outer East Portland excited that this celebrated ‘play place’ has opened for the season. They’re open for Spring Break daily through April 2 …

On opening day the midway at Oaks Amusement Park fills with families ready to have fun, thrills, and food.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It’s a sure sign of Spring when historic, nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park opens for the season, as it did on Saturday, March 25.

Weather forecasters predicted rain, and even perhaps snow, for opening day. However it just didn’t happen. Soon families were coming in to play, and the staff was busy at the first full day of the season at The Oaks.

Oaks Park Association Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay was delighted that the 2023 season is finally underway.

“In fact, today is the opening day of our 118th season, here at Oaks Park,” Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay exclaimed.

“We’re kicking it off with full-time fun every day during Oregon’s Spring Break, noon until 5:00 p.m. – and, the Oaks Roller Skating Rink is also open every day also during this week,” MacKay told East Portland News.

Take a quick tour of the park, as we saw it, on opening day, in this video:

“Between Spring Break and when schools get out for the summer, we’ll only be open on Saturdays and Sundays – with the exception of Memorial Day weekend,” MacKay mentioned.

And over Memorial Day Weekend, the park will be hosting the annual Multnomah County Fair.

Starting off their day with a gentle adventure – sliding down Big Pink – is Wooldridge family, visiting from Vancouver.

The Miller family, coming from Salem, takes a ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl.

The more-adventurous riders braced for a ride on Adrenaline Peak.

New at Oaks Park
“New this season, in the skating rink, we have a brand-new redemption arcade,” MacKay said. “So, in addition to playing games, now you can win prizes!

“And, we’ve completely revamped our food operations,” MacKay commented tastefully.

Cooking the cheeseburgers at George’s Grill is Oaks Park burger chef Matthew Riggs.

“We are rebranding some of our food service spaces, including the new Trolley Park Pizza ‘store’; and our main food area is now called George’s Grill, named after our former CEO, George Kolibaba,” MacKay explained. “There, patrons will find pulled pork sandwiches and gourmet, cheeseburgers along with our ‘deliciously addictive’ curly fries.

“We have a new area called Sugar Rush where folks will find all kinds of sweet eats, like ice cream and cotton candy; and we’re introducing made-while-you-watch Funnel Cakes to its menu!”

Young and old enjoy a ride on the Oaks Park roller coaster.

Events all summer
“We’re looking forward to once again hosting the Multnomah County Fair on Memorial Day weekend; our Fourth of July Spectacular; and at last the return of the Oaks Oktoberfest, September 22-24,” MacKay announced.

“No matter why you’re coming to visit us, we’re continuing to offer free rides on the Oaks Park Train, and on our 1912 Herschell-Spillman hand-carved menagerie carousel, to everyone who comes,” confirmed MacKay.

Note: A daily parking fee is now in effect, CLICK HERE to learn why.

To buy tickets on line, or for more information, see the official Oaks Amusement Park website: CLICK HERE.

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