Episode #153
Preservation Conference 2026: Preserving the Stories Behind the Rides
What does preservation really mean in the amusement industry? It’s about more than keeping an old roller coaster standing. It’s about the stories, the people, the craftsmanship, the communities, and the memories that make these places worth preserving. In this episode of the ACE Ride With Us Podcast, host Jessica Gardner is joined by Gerik Gooch, podcast team correspondent, and Jes Niemec, ACE Events Director, to look back at the 2026 ACE Preservation Conference in the Pacific Northwest. The conference took ACE members to three very different parks with remarkably rich histories: the hand-built Enchanted Forest in Oregon, historic Oaks Park in Portland, and Wild Waves Theme & Water Park in Washington during its final season. Along the way, Jessica, Gerik, and Jess talk about the history of these parks, the rides and attractions that make them special, their personal experiences during the conference, and why enthusiasts play such an important role in preserving amusement history. 01:23 — Meet Our Guests Welcome back to Gerik Gooch and Jes Nemec, including Jes's new role as ACE Events Director. 03:18 — Why the Pacific Northwest? The team discusses why these parks were chosen and why this particular Preservation Conference felt so connected to ACE's preservation mission. 06:24 — Enchanted Forest: A Park Built by Hand Gooch introduces Enchanted Forest and the remarkable story of founder Roger Tofte. 38:00 — From Enchanted Forest to Oaks Park The conversation moves to the next stop of the conference and what makes Oaks Park such an important piece of Pacific Northwest amusement history. 40:29 — Oaks Park: More Than a Century of History Jess takes us through Oaks Park's origins as a 1905 trolley park and its evolution over the decades. 49:00 — The Importance of Preserving the Rides The group talks about Oaks Park's historic attractions, its preservation mission, and the rides that have come and gone over the years. 55:00 — What Does Preservation Really Mean? Jessica, Gooch, and Jes discuss what makes a ride, park, or attraction worth preserving—and why the history behind the experience matters. 01:01:43 — The Role of Enthusiasts in Preservation Gooch explains why enthusiasts care so deeply about the details and stories behind amusement parks and why that passion matters. 01:03:02 — Wild Waves: A Final Season The conference's final official stop takes on a more emotional tone as the group visits Wild Waves during its final season. 01:04:00 — The History of Wild Waves Jessica shares the history of the park, from Enchanted Village to the development of the Wild Waves property. 01:08:30 — What Does It Mean When a Park Closes? Jessica, Gerik, and Jess reflect on Wild Waves, its community, and the experience of visiting a park knowing it won't be there the following season. 01:20:24 — Parks Closing & Parks Being Born Jessica connects the experience at Wild Waves with her visit to the brand-new COTAland, reflecting on the strange cycle of amusement parks closing while new ones are being built. 01:23:00 — What Preservation Means to ACE The conversation returns to the larger mission of preservation and why ACE's focus on amusement history is so important. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? Email podcast@aceonline.org . Visit ridewithace.com and follow @RideWithACE on social media for more coaster, park, and preservation news.
