Oaks Amusement Park to Debut Electric Train in 2027

The new electric locomotive will replace the park's current propane model, cutting emissions by 99% starting in March 2027.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Screen-print poster illustration of a miniature train on tracks surrounded by pine trees, representing an electric upgrade. — Oaks Amusement Park in Portland will replace its current propane-powered locomotive with a new electric model in March 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local amusement parks prioritize funding to switch to electric-powered rides?

Oaks Amusement Park in Portland is set to replace its propane-powered train locomotive with a new lithium-ion battery model in March 2027. This transition, supported by a $430,263 grant, will enable the train to maintain its schedule of 56 daily trips while operating with significantly lower emissions.

Why it matters

The upgrade supports the park's effort to minimize its carbon footprint and align with a goal of running entirely on renewable energy. By switching to electric power, the park expects to cut 6 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The park received a $430,263 grant to fund the electric locomotive, which will replace a propane version and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99%. The new engine will pull five passenger cars plus one ADA-accessible car across the park's 56 daily trips.

The players

Oaks Amusement Park

A historic amusement park in Portland that is transitioning its ride infrastructure toward renewable energy sources.

Portland General Electric

The local utility provider that manages the Drive Change Fund to support clean energy projects in the community.

Chance Rides

A Wichita-based manufacturer known for designing and producing amusement park rides and attractions.

The details

The new locomotive, manufactured by Chance Rides, will draw power from lithium-ion batteries to pull the existing train cars. To facilitate regular charging, the park is constructing a new covered station platform equipped with automatic charging technology. Once operational, this change will make almost all rides at the park electric, with the exception of the go-karts.

March 2027: Unveiling of the new electric locomotive.
2027: Opening of a new drop tower at the park.

The Home Front

The upgrade is part of a larger push by local attractions to modernize infrastructure in line with broader regional renewable energy goals. This transition reflects a wider trend of phasing out fossil-fuel machinery in favor of electric alternatives in public recreational spaces.

Visitors to Oaks Amusement Park can expect to see the new electric locomotive in action when the park season begins in March 2027. If you are interested in similar local clean-energy projects, keep an eye on upcoming announcements from the Drive Change Fund regarding regional infrastructure grants.

The takeaway

Transitioning to electric alternatives is becoming a standard move for local organizations aiming to reach carbon reduction targets. Families should check the park schedule for March 2027 to see the new electric locomotive during its first month of public service.