Find out what it’s taken to renovate this historic building at nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park …
The Oaks Amusement Park Dance Pavilion is closed for the season while a major renovation project is underway.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although the Dance Pavilion at historic Oaks Amusement Park has been closed for renovation this year, East Portland News got a look inside in midsummer to see how the project is coming along.
“This project started with an ‘Oregon Fairgrounds’ grant – since Oaks Park is the ‘fairgrounds’ for Multnomah County, we were included,” said Emily MacKay, the Marketing and Events Director of Oaks Park Association, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the park.
Pointing out the removed ‘drop ceiling’ is Oaks Park Association Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay. She’s happy with how the renovation of theDance Pavilion is coming along.
“The 10,000 square foot building hasn’t been updated for decades, and needed improvements to both its lighting and accessibility,” MacKay explained. “With these funds, a ‘Travel Portland’ grant, and with funds we added, we’re turning this into a real showpiece of event spaces in Portland.”
Here’s how the Dance Pavilion looked in 1905. Courtesy Oaks Park Association, colorization by David F. Ashton
It started out as a roofed but open-air dance pavilion with a bandstand at the north end. “Having been built in 1905 it’s one of the oldest buildings on our property,” MacKay described.
“We’re not sure exactly when it was enclosed with walls, and even later, when we added the ‘drop ceiling’,” said MacKay.
In the 1980s, the building because the “Skating Studio” – an auxiliary roller rink for classes and skating club practices. Courtesy Oaks Park Association
“Before” – Here’s how the room looked before the renovations began, as set up for Multnomah County Fair exhibits.
“After” – Now, the ceiling has been removed, and the back wall has been extended up to the roof.
They’ve been considering removing the acoustical tile ‘drop ceiling’ for years – it was installed back when it was very much the fashion, MacKay pointed out.
“Now, with the ‘drop ceiling’ removed, it gives the room a much grander, more spacious, and historic feel. You can see the original timbers,” she continued.
-7 When completed, when guests look up, they’ll see the original lumber used to construct the building more than a century ago.
As contractors began opening up and evaluating the structure, engineers noted some age-related damage: Specifically, the need for major truss repair. Essentially, workers lifted up the roof and pulled the support columns and trusses back in place.
“One feature of the building, of which all of our workers approve, is the new dedicated storage space for tables and chairs,” remarked MacKay.
When it opens in September, this building will have modern, but period-looking, lighting, as well as a refinished maple wood floor. And it will feature a new entry stairway, and a front ADA-approved ramp.
“Because we host about 200 events in that space every year – ranging from corporate functions, to fundraisers, to weddings and Quinceañera celebrations, nonprofit and trade shows, and the County Fair, to birthday and holiday parties – we’re looking forward finishing this project!
Here’s an artist’s conception of how the renovated Dance Pavilion will look. Courtesy Oaks Park Association
“This is the first step in a 20-year project of refurbishment of this historic ‘Trolly Park’ – one of the last continuously running ones in existence,” MacKay observed. “In light of this, we’re working with the Oregon Fail Heritage Foundation, which is purchasing the Oregon Pacific Railroad, to – perhaps in the future – once again provide trolley car rides between the Rail Center and Oaks Park.”
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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