New Ferris wheel coming to Santa Monica Pier

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier plans a $1.5-million state-of-the-art replacement for its 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel that will feature computer-generated special effects lighting in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Depending on the season, the 15,000 LED lights might illuminate a Valentine’s heart, Fourth of July American flag or a Christmas wreath. The old wheel sported only three bulb colors: 2,392 white, 1,500 red and 1,500 blue.

The sea air and salt water took a toll on the old wheel, with new paint jobs often looking weathered almost upon completion. The new Chance Morgan galvanized steel wheel is expected to resolve that problem.

During its 12-year Hollywood career, the Pacific Wheel starred in 105 photo shoots, 71 television commercials, 69 television shows, 28 feature films and 13 music videos while entertaining 3 million riders.

The two-week replacement process begins May 8.

Find the latest amusement and theme park news at the
Los Angeles Times Funland blog: www.latimes.com/funland.

— Brady MacDonald / Los Angeles Times staff writer

[Photo: Pacific Park]

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This entry was posted on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 11:40 am by Brady MacDonald and is filed under Family & Kids, Los Angeles, Theme Parks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.