Not So Fast… SF’s Ferris Wheel Might Now End in 2022
Thanks to the San Francisco Chronicle for letting us know the back-and-forth battle over the future of the 150-foot Observation Wheel in Golden Gate Park appears to have taken another turn.
Two weeks ago San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department and the Historic Preservation Committee both signed off on extending “Skystar’s” permit an additional four years though 2025 after a contentious battle between local activists and the Rec and Parks Department.
Related Stories
- “SkyStar” Officially Extended to 2025: Reopens March 4 – 3/3/21
- Feud Erupts Over SF’s Ferris Wheel Extension to 2025 – 2/18/21
- Golden Gate Park Observation Wheel Seeks Extension to 2025 – 1/28/21
- SF’s Ferris Wheel Shuts Down Again – 11/28/2020
- SF’s Massive Ferris Wheel Opens Today (Oct. 21) – 10/21/20
- SF’s 150-Foot Ferris Wheel Opens October 21 – 10/7/20
- SF’s Huge 150-Foot Ferris Wheel Opens “Late October” – 9/30/20
- A Huge 150-Foot Ferris Wheel is Now in SF… But No One Can Ride It – 3/21/20
- A 150-Foot Ferris Wheel is Coming to Golden Gate Park in 2020 – 12/12/19
But on Monday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 to revisit the matter at its Tuesday meeting. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the board is considering extending the permit for Skystar only until February 7, 2022 instead of March 1, 2025
The Board of Supervisors says it has the final say on major contracts involving Golden Gate Park.
What’s the battle about? According to the SF Gate and KPIX 5, opponents of the extension are concerned with diesel fumes, light pollution and the affect on local wildlife. Proponents of the extension say people are excited to ride the wheel, will make the park safer at night and will help the economic recovery plan for the city.
Recreation and Park says they want to extend the wheel until March 1, 2023, to “offset financial hardship experienced by the vendor” and to March 1, 2025, to reinvigorate the city’s post-pandemic economy.
