BACKSTAGE AT THE OAKS

THE OAKS AMUSEMENT PARK SUPPORTER E-NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the “Backstage at The Oaks” e-newsletter! We’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates from “The Oaks” – a beloved Portland institution that has been delivering family fun since 1905. Each issue will take you behind the scenes at our historic park, share exciting news, and celebrate our impact on the community. Whether you “grapevine” at the rink regularly or are a first-time visitor, we can’t wait to keep you connected to Oaks Park! 

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Introduced by the Eyerly Aircraft Company of Salem, OR, in 1968, the Spider is a beloved polyp-type ride featuring six arms, each with two cars. It rotates counterclockwise on an off-axis. The arms rise and drop vertically during operation, causing the cars to spin.

Oaks Park’s Spider was built in 1974 and rebuilt in 2017. It has been spinning and, according to ride operators, has caused the most "protein spills" at the park over the past 50 years.

Did you know that Oak's Park is home to five rides over 50 years old? Can you name them all?

Click here to learn more about Oaks Park's historic and vintage rides and attractions.

Oaks Park staff member Kinley with his cat "Spider" who was named after the ride. 

THE ROLLER REPORT

Calling all young scientists and skaters! Oaks Park Roller Rink is revolutionizing learning with its exciting STEM program that combines education and fun. Our unique STEM sessions transform roller skating into a dynamic classroom, teaching students fascinating scientific concepts like motion, energy, gravitational force, and sound waves.

Milan Woods, Oaks Park STEM Coordinator, says, “Whether you're a home school student or part of a school group, our program makes science, technology, engineering, and math come alive on wheels!”

Visit oakspark.com/stem to learn more about the program or click here to support this innovative program today! 

The Oaks Park Roller Rink hosting the 1948 Pacific Coast Regional Championships

The Wisconsin rotunda maple floor welcomed more than 139,000 skaters in 2024. That's a lot of laps, laughs, and maybe a few epic wipeouts (we've all been there!).

2024 Fast Facts:

• Most popular theme skate: Glow Skate
• Most requested song:
• Afternoon Sessions: "Cruel Summer" - Taylor Swift
• Fri/Sat Nights: "Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar
• Number of times the Hokey Pokey is played each week: Eight

PORTLAND MONOPOLY: SUGGEST OAKS PARK

The makers of Monopoly are planning a Portland edition to be released this fall, and they are looking for suggestions of iconic, local locations to include on the board. 

Let them know they should include Oaks Park by emailing portlandOR@toptrumps.com by 3/21/2025.

• Celebrating 120 years in 2025
• The last remaining trolley park on the West Coast
• Home to America's oldest roller skating rink
• A classic part of growing up in Portland for 12 decades!

OAKS PARK IMPACT

For 120 years, this historic amusement park has been a melting pot of community experiences that celebrate the unique tapestry of Portland’s culture.

The park's commitment to diversity is evident in its visitor demographics, with 29% of visitors identifying as BIPOC over the past year, and through events like Gay Skate, which has been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community for over 30 years.

From the multicultural crowds enjoying the rides and attractions to the family-friendly celebrations like Oktoberfest, Oaks Park remains a vibrant canvas on which Oregon's diversity is not just displayed but joyously celebrated. 

Oaks Park supports hundreds of nonprofit organizations annually with group events, nonprofit discounts, and free ride attractions. Last year we:

• Donated 2,080 ride bracelets, valued at nearly $100k to 520 nonprofit organizations in our community.

• Hosted more than 200 nonprofit group events at our old-growth picnic grounds.

• Provided more than 12,500 discounted ride bracelets to nonprofit organizations, a $220k investment in our community.

Click here to learn more about Oaks Park's impact on our community.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since 2021, rides on our historic 1912 Herschell-Spillman Noah’s Ark Menagerie Carousel and on the Oaks Park Train have been free for everyone during regular operating hours. 

Do you have a memory of Oaks Amusement Park? We want to hear from you! Whether it's a tale of your first roller coaster ride, a family tradition, or a nostalgic moment from this historic park, your story matters.

Submit your stories and help us celebrate the living history of one of America’s oldest amusement parks.

Make Oaks Park your charity of choice when you link your shopper's card through the Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program. Visit https://www.fredmeyer.com/i/community/community-rewards and choose Oaks Park Association (ID#AR961) to support Oaks Park! 

SUPPORT OAKS PARK

Did you know that in 1985, the Bollinger Family donated Oaks Amusement Park to the nonprofit 501c3 Oaks Park Association? For 120 years, Oaks Park has brought us together. Help us preserve our historic and vintage attractions so that we can continue to serve as Portland's open and accessible playground for all.