Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon, has announced plans to construct a landmark new thrill ride, scheduled to open to the public in spring 2027.
The attraction, a Larson International / A.R.M. park model Super Shot drop tower, will stand as the tallest drop tower in the Pacific Northwest and represents one of the most significant capital investments in the historic park's 121-year history.
Construction is slated to begin in summer 2026. Once complete, the towering new structure will serve as the centerpiece of a centrally located attraction zone designed to modernise the park's mid-century layout.
Breathtaking Views, Intense Drops
According to project details released by the park, the new drop tower will ascend high above southeast Portland, offering riders panoramic views of the city skyline, the Willamette River, and the surrounding Oregon landscape.
The serene view will be short-lived, however. Standing at a monumental height of 132 feet (approximately 40 metres) based on the manufacturer's standard specifications, the tower features a round 12-passenger gondola that slowly climbs up to the apex. After a brief moment of anticipation, the ride mechanism instantly plunges guests into a high-speed free-fall at speeds of over 45 miles per hour, delivering the most intense adrenaline rush in the park's history.
To ensure passenger comfort and safety, Larson International utilizes a state-of-the-art magnetic brake system to smoothly capture the gondola at the bottom of the drop.
Park officials say that while the Super Shot model is a high-intensity thrill ride, the surrounding area is being developed with families in mind. The new attraction zone will also feature a vibrant, multi-generational gathering space, allowing spectators to watch the action safely from the ground.
A Modern Chapter for a Historic Destination
Operating as a beloved community staple since 1905, Oaks Park views this addition as a way to balance modern consumer demands with a century of tradition. The project marks a major milestone in a wider, long-term effort to update and upgrade the property for future generations.
"This landmark addition reflects our commitment to bringing new experiences to future generations of guests," the park stated in its announcement, "while preserving the charm and traditions that have made Oaks Park a beloved destination."
To drum up anticipation, the park plans to pull back the curtain on the entire construction process. Starting in summer 2026, fans of the park can look forward to regular digital updates, including behind-the-scenes engineering insights, sneak peeks at component deliveries, and documentation of the final safety testing phases leading up to opening day in spring 2027.
