Oaks Amusement Park, Amusement park in Southeast Portland, United States
Oaks Amusement Park is an amusement park in Southeast Portland, United States, spreading across 44 acres with 24 seasonal attractions and a year-round skating rink. Rides include bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and carnival games.
The park opened in May 1905 alongside the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, drawing 300,000 visitors during its first season. The Vanport flood of 1948 submerged the grounds for thirty days, prompting construction changes afterward.
The roller skating rink features daily organ performances on a Wurlitzer pipe instrument, keeping a tradition alive since 1955. Visitors watch skaters glide while the organist plays, creating an entertainment style rarely found in modern American parks.
The park sits roughly 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) from downtown Portland and is reachable by car or public transport. Opening hours vary by season, with weekdays typically running from noon until early evening.
After the Vanport flood in 1948, workers rebuilt the rink floor on airtight iron barrels so it would float during future floods. This engineering solution allows the park to minimize damage during high water events.
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