Ferris wheel leaves Golden Gate Park
Teams have begun dismantling a giant Ferris wheel in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
SAN FRANCISCO – Teams have begun dismantling a giant Ferris wheel in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
The Ferris wheel that stood in the center of San Francisco is getting a new home.
The 150-foot-tall SkyStar Ferris Wheel has always been a popular attraction for those seeking breathtaking views, and now it's moving to the city's waterfront.
Although the bike has only been an attraction in Golden Gate Park for a relatively short time, many residents already fondly remember its rides.
“Absolutely fantastic,” said Coral LeBlanc. “It was right after they set it up, two grandkids, a daughter and a dog, and we were able to get on with it, it was really cool.”
The Ferris wheel was originally brought to Golden Gate Park three years ago.
“So the Ferris wheel came in 2020 as part of the park’s 150th anniversary,” said Daniel Montes of the San Francisco Department of Recreation and Parks. “So it was a really exciting time for us. Three years later it leaves us and we are sad to see it go. But the good thing is that it will stay in the city.”
The bike's final ride took place last weekend, and crews have been working overnight dismantling it to prepare it for its move across the city.
The wheel will be rebuilt at Fisherman's Wharf, where the Port of San Francisco will work with SkyStar to place it in a parking lot near Boudin Bakery ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
In its new waterfront location, the Wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and downtown from an entirely new perspective, a view that visitors find enticing.
Jake Abbott of Muskegon, Michigan expressed his excitement: “Yes, absolutely, a way to see the bay and all the sights in one go. It would be cool to see her on a Ferris wheel.”
Jillene Abbott also shared her excitement: “If there was a view of this beautiful ocean, I would definitely go out and see it if I could ride the Ferris wheel.”
As for the length of time the wheel will stay at Fisherman's Wharf, the port is anticipating a six-month time frame, but remains open to extensions.
SkyStar has stated its commitment to remain in the city until March 2025.
