Oaks Park is planning to introduce an exhilarating drop tower ride that promises stunning views of the Willamette River and the nearby wildlife refuge. This thrilling attraction, which will launch riders approximately 135 feet into the air before a free fall, aims to be a standout feature at the amusement park, surpassing both its iconic Ferris wheel and the more recent Adrenaline Peak rollercoaster.
However, it is not just the ride’s height that is drawing attention; concerns are focusing on the proposed eight LED spotlights mounted at the tower’s base. Wildlife and nature advocates fear that these lights could disrupt migrating birds, posing a threat to the delicate ecosystem of the nearby Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. This 163-acre wetland is a critical habitat for numerous bird species and is cherished by local birders and naturalists.
The ride location is just a stone’s throw away from the wildlife refuge, separated only by the Springwater Corridor Trail and some railway tracks. As the lights are designed to shine upward, they would not effectively shield light pollution, which experts argue could disorient migratory birds using the area as a stopover.
In response to community feedback, Oaks Park modified its lighting proposal, yet CEO Brandon Roben emphasized that captivating lighting is integral to the park’s identity. He stated, “It’s in our DNA to one, operate and attract, but two, to create places that wow and inspire.”
The Bird Alliance of Oregon, Urban Greenspaces Institute, and Friends of Oaks Bottom have filed an appeal against the city’s approval of the ride and its associated lighting plan. Michael McKeag, a co-founder of the Oregon chapter of DarkSky International, described the lighting scheme as an inappropriate approach to reducing light pollution, which affects both wildlife and humans.
The Portland City Council has previously acknowledged the negative effects of artificial light, including its impact on migrating birds and nocturnal animal habitats. As part of a 2020 Dark Skies report, the council recommended that cities take proactive measures to limit light pollution, such as incorporating fully shielded fixtures and adjusting light usage during the hours it is not needed.
Under Oaks Park’s current plan, the lights would be utilized on 21 nights each year, coinciding with critical migration periods. Alarmingly, it has been noted that nearly the entire span of these nights occurs during peak migration times, intensifying the urgency of local advocates’ concerns.
City officials initially granted Oaks Park permission to proceed with the drop tower and its lighting. Concerns from both neighbors and environmentalists about how these lights could potentially disrupt bird migration patterns have triggered heated debate within the community. Mary Coolidge, a representative of the Bird Alliance of Oregon, highlighted that Oaks Bottom serves as a vital pit stop for migrating birds, making the preservation of the area particularly significant.
Coolidge emphasized how artificial lights can mislead birds that navigate using the stars, drawing them toward urban hazards such as windows, vehicles, and various predators. Activists argue that Oaks Park should align its lighting design with city codes that require downlighting, opaque shielding, and a warm color spectrum to minimize adverse effects.
Oaks Park does comply with the color guidelines yet seeks exceptions regarding downlighting and shielding to maintain aesthetic appeal. A report commissioned by the Bird Alliance raised concerns that the park has not properly assessed the environmental impact of their lighting plan, suggesting that the lights serve no safety purpose and are purely for visual appeal.
In defense of the ride, Dana Krawczuk, an attorney for Oaks Park Association, claimed that the nonprofit has made every effort to mitigate negative effects related to lighting. Krawczuk pointed to assessments by two electrical engineers and a consulting biologist, all of whom noted that while the lights’ impact is not entirely negligible, it remains significantly less than critics have suggested.
The consulting biologist noted that the proposed lighting is unlikely to affect the majority of migrating birds, which typically soar at much higher altitudes. Furthermore, the initial design of the drop tower included hundreds of LED bulbs along the structure, but following feedback regarding light spill concerns, the team switched to concentrated spotlights.
Roben argued that the adjustments made to the design would not substantially alter the character of the already developed area near the park. He likened the lights to simply turning on a flashlight in a brightly lit room, asserting they are focused to limit light spread.
However, opponents of the lighting system remain unconvinced. Coolidge reiterated the sentiment that just because Portland is already affected by light pollution does not justify contributing further to the problem. She voiced that the conservation community should aim to establish better lighting designs that take into consideration ecological consequences.
Local residents also voiced their apprehensions, focusing on how the proposed tower lights would impact their neighborhood. Some expressed worries over the brightness and aesthetics of the lights. Retired nurse Mimi Silliau, who overlooks the park from her home, described current lighting as unattractive and termed the AtmosFEAR ride’s lights as “hideous.”
Chuck Martin, another nearby resident, acknowledged the undesirable effects of the amusement park on the community while expressing individual grievances regarding the proposed lighting intensity. He noted, “I love Oaks Park, but living above it has some drawbacks.”
As the community awaits a decision from a city hearings officer, the atmosphere surrounding Oaks Park remains charged with differing opinions on the balance between entertainment and conservation. The final verdict will determine whether the new drop tower light project aligns with the city’s efforts to safeguard its environment while appealing to guests in the vibrant amusement park.
image source from：oregonlive
