FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

For more information, contact: 

Derek Perry, ACE Communications Director 

Phone: (469) 278-6223

E-mail: dperry@aceonline.org

 

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, September 4, 2026.

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world’s largest organization dedicated to the appreciation, preservation, and enjoyment of roller coasters and amusement parks, will gather in the Pacific Northwest September 4 and 5 for its 2026 Preservation Conference.

 

The two-day conference will visit two very different but equally significant amusement parks: historic Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon, on Friday, September 4, followed by Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Federal Way, Washington, on Saturday, September 5.

 

The conference reflects ACE’s longstanding commitment to celebrating the people, parks, rides, and traditions that have shaped the amusement industry. 

 

“Preservation is about more than saving a ride or a building. It’s about preserving the memories and experiences that these places create for generations of people,” said Derek Perry, ACE communications director and president-elect. 

 

The conference will begin on Friday at Oaks Park, which has operated continuously since May 30, 1905, making it one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the United States. Originally established as a trolley park, Oaks has evolved over more than a century while retaining many of its historic traditions, including its legendary wooden roller skating rink. The park also features modern attractions, including Adrenaline Peak and the Zoooooom Coaster.

 

“Oaks Amusement Park is so historic. What a tremendous gift to Portland to have this charming park around for more than a century,” said Baldwin. “The ACE Preservation Conference places an emphasis on parks and attractions that have stood the test of time. This park has things that are very new mixed in with the classics, right down to the skating rink. It is an honor for us to celebrate this Portland experience.”

 

For Baldwin, the 2026 Preservation Conference also represents a personal milestone, as it will be his final event as ACE events director. His tenure has included the planning and execution of numerous ACE conferences and events, connecting coaster enthusiasts with historic and contemporary amusement parks throughout North America.

 

“Events like the Preservation Conference are a reminder that amusement parks are living history,” Perry said. “ I still remember roller skating at Oaks Park's iconic rink and experiencing the thrilling Adrenaline Peak for the first time. A coaster can be steel, wood, track, and trains, but what makes it special are the stories attached to it, the first rides, the family traditions, the friendships, and the memories. ACE is proud to celebrate those stories and to help ensure that the history of these places is remembered.”

 

About American Coaster Enthusiasts

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation, knowledge, and preservation of roller coasters. Founded in 1978, ACE has thousands of members worldwide and works with parks, manufacturers, and preservation organizations to celebrate roller coaster history and promote the enjoyment of these iconic attractions.