Oaks Park re-opens with a new ride after historic closure last season

(APRIL 12, 2021) Oregon has one of the oldest, continually operating amusement parks in the United States. It's called Oaks Park, and it's in Southeast Portland. Oaks Park was closed last year because of COVID -- the only time it closed in its 116-year history.

Oaks Park will re-open on April 17. This year, the park will have new rules for visitors and staff: wear masks and practice social distancing. And this year, there will be something else that is new: a new ride called AtmosFEAR.

According to the park's website, it first opened its gates on May 30, 1905, "as a way of boosting ridership on the area's emerging interurban transportation system. Arriving via streetcar, visitors to the park were thrilled by exotic animals, nightly fireworks, a bathhouse, death-defying amusement rides, and that latest of inventions, electric lights!" Today, a nonprofit organization operates the park to provide affordable family fun. There are rides, games, food, and activities like roller skating, mini-golf, picnics, and concerts.

In April, the park is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-7pm. In May, the park is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12pm-7pm. For summer hours, check the website at oakspark.com.

Tickets are $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for children under 48" tall. Admission includes all of the rides; non-riders are welcome to enter the park at no charge. Games are sold separately.