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Thrill-Ville USA facts for kids

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Thrill-Ville USA
Thrill-Ville USA 2009 2.JPG
Park grounds in 2009
Location 8372 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, Oregon, U.S.
Coordinates 44°49′59.32″N 123°00′31.68″W / 44.8331444°N 123.0088000°W / 44.8331444; -123.0088000
Opened 1970s
Closed 2007
Operating season June through Labor Day
Attractions
Roller coasters 2
Water rides 2

Thrill-Ville USA was a fun amusement park in Turner, Oregon, United States. It was located right next to the Enchanted Forest theme park. You could find it south of Salem near Interstate 5. The park first opened in the 1970s. Over time, it grew to have more than 20 exciting rides. Thrill-Ville USA closed its doors in 2007.

Some of the cool rides included roller coasters and go-karts. There were also classic carnival rides like the Octopus, Rock-O-Plane, and Tilt-A-Whirl. A big double water slide, 55 feet (about 17 meters) tall, was a favorite. The park even had a special area called "Thrill-Zone." This zone featured extreme rides like the Sky Coaster, Big Sling, SCAD Freefall Tower, and Turbo Force. The park's main roller coaster, called "The Ripper," was taken down starting in spring 2010.

Park History

In the early 1970s, the area that became Thrill-Ville USA started as a simple go-kart track. The Vettrus family owned an RV park nearby. They added the go-karts as a fun activity for kids. Later, the Vettrus brothers owned and ran the amusement park. It grew to include more than 20 different rides. In 1984, a tall 55-foot (about 17-meter) waterslide was added.

The park was officially named Thrill-Ville USA in the early 1990s. Around that time, Marion County told the park it needed to change how its land was used. This was to make sure the park followed rules or it might have to close. In 1995, Thrill-Ville was allowed to stay open. They agreed to follow rules about noise and parking. By 1999, about 200,000 people visited the park each year.

In May 2008, the park announced sad news. They said they would not open for the summer season that year. This was because of higher insurance costs and a struggling economy. They also said Thrill-Ville USA might never open again. The park has since been completely taken down. A new community with small homes, called Hope Valley Resort, now stands where the park used to be.

Awesome Attractions

Thrill-Ville USA 2009
Roller coaster and slide in 2009

Thrill-Ville USA had two exciting roller coasters. The bigger one was called The Ripper, and it stood 60 feet (about 18 meters) tall. There was also a smaller one called the Little Ripper. Another thrilling ride was the Skycoaster. This ride lifted people 100 feet (about 30 meters) into the air. Then, it dropped them to swing back and forth in their harnesses!

The park's 55-foot (about 17-meter) tall water slide was the biggest in Oregon. It had two open slides that twisted down over 350 feet (about 107 meters) to a pool below. Other fun things to do included go-karts, a giant slide, and miniature golf. A large spray foam figure named Thrillman welcomed visitors to the park.

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