SkyWheel At Plyler Park

Plyler Park, in downtown Myrtle Beach, is getting a new neighbor! The new 200 foot high, glass-enclosed gondolas SkyWheel ferris wheel will dominate the downtown and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area.

Being built adjacent to Plyler Park, the SkyWheel will require over 100 pilings driven 30 feet into the ground below. The structure and associated buildings will sit 20 feet above ground level due to it being built in a hurricane storm surge zone. Plans include 42 Swiss made glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas, and will hold 6 to 8 riders each with each ride lasting 9 to 12 minutes.

Hoping to fill a void of the Pavilion Amusement Park 2006 closing, city officials plan to make the SkyWheel a year round family entertainment attraction. Even though it’s not official, prices will start at around $10 for one adult ride. Construction will continue through the winter months, and SkyWheel developer Pacific Development has said it plans to have the ferris wheel open by Memorial Day 2011.

Below are some photographs of the SkyWheel progress.