San Francisco is trying to move Golden Gate Park’s 150-foot SkyStar Ferris wheel to Fisherman’s Wharf for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
The plans were discussed at the Port of San Francisco’s Northern Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday evening, with Kirsten Southey—the San Francisco Port’s special projects, communications and engagement manager—saying the agency received a short-term special event application to explore the possibility of relocating the Ferris wheel to the waterfront.
“Ideally, this move would take place before the APEC gathering in November,” she said. “While discussions are preliminary and logistic hurdles exist, both agencies are committed, and we want to pursue this opportunity.”
Fisherman’s Wharf business leaders, like Boudin Bakery Chief Financial Officer Bill Dozier, said they were excited about the prospect of the ride taking a spin on the waterfront.
“As you know, we operate our flagship location there at Fisherman’s Wharf, as well as running the chowder hut at Pier 39,” he said. “Obviously, post-pandemic, there’s a number of vacant storefronts in the area. We believe that the attraction will help generate excitement and provide an activity destination, which will benefit all the tenants of the wharf with guests who want to eat, drink and shop.”
David Beaupre, deputy director of planning and environment for the port, said the agency is working with city planners, the state and SkyStar engineers to figure out the best location for the wheel.
“The proposal is for the Ferris wheel to go in the triangle parking lot, also known as Lot 301,” he explained. “We’re also working with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission to get the necessary permits. Our goal is to get it by APEC. It’s an aggressive schedule, but with the cooperation of other agencies, we think we can make it.”
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department did not respond to a request for comment.