Riverton Trolley Park offers one of the most delightful stories in Portland’s history, but few will recognize the name of this former amusement park today. Located at the intersection of Riverside Street and Forest Avenue, Riverton Trolley Park stands at the site of Wabanaki fishing grounds and is currently a wooded area with a Little League field and the foundations of old buildings scattered throughout. However, for a period at the dawn of the 20th century, the park was one of Portland’s most popular attractions and a lovely place to spend a day trip.

The Trolley Days

During its amusement park days, Riverton Trolley Park was quite the destination. This antique postcard depicts beautiful park grounds, a stately casino, and river space for pleasure boats.

The Portland Railroad Company opened Riverton Trolley Park nearly 125 years ago on June 27th, 1896 as the last stop on their streetcar line running from Monument Square. Park goers could board a trolley and spend the day picnicking in the park, cavorting in the dance hall, and admiring trapeze artists in the outdoor rustic theatre. Other attractions included exquisitely landscaped gardens, a miniature petting zoo, lawn swings, a croquet field, and a steam-powered carousel.

There was also a casino scenically situated in front of the Presumpscot River, which an antique travel brochure described as “dotted with canoes and other pleasure boats, all containing merry sailing parties.” The park was so enticing that 10,000 people showed up on opening day in 1896!

What’s next for Riverton Trolley Park?

Riverton Trolley Park has fallen into disuse over the decades — an unfortunate consequence of economic conditions during the post-war and Depression era. However, Portland Parks Conservancy is working with the City of Portland to rejuvenate this historic park. The Conservancy is a local nonprofit organization which raises private funding to enhance Portland’s public parks and recreation. The Conservancy’s previous projects include the installation of Portland’s first ADA-inclusive playground at Talbot School and the founding of the Portland Youth Corps, a program which provides young teens with educational outdoor experiences and professional development.

Proposed plans for Riverton Trolley Park based on feedback from a public process conducted by Portland Parks Conservancy

Portland Parks Conservancy hosted a remote public meeting this March where participants were invited to share their visions for Riverton Trolley Park. An online survey was available in seven languages for those unable to attend the meeting.

Meeting and survey participants most popularly requested signage explaining the land’s history as indigenous fishing grounds and an amusement park, a well-marked, improved park entrance, improvements to the Little League field, and safer pedestrian access. The Conservancy and City also plan to add a picnic pavilion and field, a sustainable mountain bike track, and several benches at the site of the former theatre. These projects were chosen to increase public engagement with the park while preserving the land’s natural and historic beauty. Riverton residents will also benefit from greater access to green space in the neighborhood.

Portland Parks Conservancy and the City of Portland have submitted a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for these projects and will continue raising funds to move the project forward.