Theme Park Evacuated, Temporarily Shut Down After Police Receive Report of a Bomb Threat

The Enchanted Forest theme park in Turner, Oregon, was evacuated on Thursday, July 9, following a bomb threat reported to local authorities. The incident began at approximately 11:30 a.m. when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received the alarming report, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

Deputies, along with assistance from the Oregon State Police, executed a precautionary evacuation of the park, ensuring the safety of visitors and staff while conducting a thorough search of the premises for any suspicious items. After an extensive investigation, officials reported that “nothing suspicious was located” and confirmed that the park would remain closed for the day.

In a statement, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the community’s cooperation during the unfolding situation. They also recognised the efforts of the Oregon State Police Bomb Detection K-9 Team for their vital role in the search process. The level of responsiveness highlighted by the Sheriff’s Office helped to reassure the public amidst what could have been a tense situation.

The Enchanted Forest’s management took to social media to update guests on the situation, announcing via their official Instagram account that the park would not reopen on July 9. The park extended its sincere apologies to those affected by the closure and indicated that they were committed to assisting any guests who had purchased tickets for that day or were already present at the park when the evacuation occurred.

Following the evacuation, the park clarified that their decision to close was made “out of an abundance of caution”. In subsequent updates, they confirmed that no visitors or staff had been harmed during the incident, and they reassured patrons that operations would resume as normal the following day.

Guests who had been in the park prior to the evacuation received specific instructions about obtaining refunds or replacement passes. Enchanted Forest encouraged visitors to get in touch via email with details of their visit to facilitate this process, highlighting their commitment to customer service even under challenging circumstances.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the park confirmed that operations resumed without incident after the threat was assessed. They reiterated that the prompt actions taken by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office ensured the safety of everyone at the park, and no threats or suspicious items were discovered during the investigation.

This incident at Enchanted Forest followed a similar situation earlier this year at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, where a bomb threat also resulted in a temporary shutdown of the amusement park. On that occasion, law enforcement conducted a thorough safety check, eventually confirming that there was no evidence to support the threat. Such incidents have raised concerns about safety at recreational venues but have also highlighted how quickly and effectively law enforcement can respond to ensure public safety.

As the Enchanted Forest prepares to welcome guests back to its attractions, the management team remains focused on ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, demonstrating the importance of safety protocols in providing peace of mind to both patrons and employees alike.