Robert Bollinger ~ "Mr. Oaks Park"
Benefactor Oaks Park AssociationThis site is a remembrance of Robert, an effort to keep his idea of roller skating alive, and document some of his business interests
Below is clarification of "The Oaks" ownership based
on Robert's personal paper work and an oral history taken by the University of
Indiana.
| Oregon Water Power Railroad Co. built / operated (1904 - 1909) | |
| United Amusement Company (founded 1909) operated it to 1925 | |
| Mr. John Cordray (purchased circa 1925) | |
| Mrs. Cordray (inherited in 1925) | |
| Edward Bollinger (purchased circa 1925) | |
| Robert helped his father (Edward) purchase the land in 1943. | |
| Their "gentleman's agreement" was not recognized at the time of Edward's passing. | |
| Robert Bollinger purchased from Elizabeth Bollinger circa 1951 | |
| per income tax records | |
| Oaks Park Association (took control 1985) | |
| OPA is a non-profit created by R Bollinger to perpetuate the entity | |
Robert firmly believed families who play together stay together.
He also understood the session skater should have priority (as documented in the University of Indiana's Oral History).
The Oaks Rink was a Grand Lady because of its size and the style of management.
He has been honored by several associations including:
| Oaks Amusement Park | |
| Recognized as Benefactor | |
| The National Carousel Association | |
| The "Bob Bollinger Award" plaque is presented yearly | |
| National Museum of Roller Skating | |
| Trustee Emeritus (Founding) Title bestowed | |
| Annual Ticket Seller's Award named in his honor | |
| Roller Skating Association | |
| Renamed its Lifetime Achievement Award in his honor | |