If you’re a 2021 graduating senior in the San Francisco Unified School District, you’re in luck!
In March, San Francisco Recreation and Parks announced the reopening of the SkyStar Observation Wheel in Golden Gate Park, which was closed to passengers for months due to the pandemic.
They also revealed great news for the class of 2021: Between June 2 and September 6, graduating high school seniors in the SF Unified School District will be eligible for a free ride if they show their SFUSD ID card at the ticket booth.
SkyStar will also continue providing 500 free tickets each month for families enrolled in the City’s Community, which provides “in-person support for distance learning for San Francisco’s highest needs children and youth.”
San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg said, “The pandemic has been especially hard on kids who are missing out on celebrating their milestones and achievements the way they’ve envisioned. The SkyStar Wheel allows them to rise above the fray and find inspiration in the exhilarating view.”
The wheel, which took 2 years to build, was installed to honor the park’s 150-year anniversary. It started running back in October at 25% capacity, but due to the pandemic, was quickly closed to passengers after just 5 weeks.
95 days later, the 15-story wheel is finally opening again to the public as a result of the city being placed in the less restrictive red tier. It features 36 enclosed gondolas which offer spectacular views of Golden Gate Park and beyond.
General admission tickets costs $18 or $15.30 for SF residents, and reduced admission for seniors and children costs $12 or $10.20 for SF residents. The wheel operates from noon to 10pm Monday through Friday, and from 10am to 10pm on the weekends.
Last month, Mayor London Breed announced plans for the City and SFUSD to host outdoor commencement ceremonies for the the class of 2021. “Graduations for All” are socially-distant, staggered ceremonies occuring at Kezar Stadium and the McAteer High School campus for approximately 4,000 high school graduates across the City’s public school system.
You can find the SkyStar Wheel in the Music Concourse at Bowl Drive in Golden Gate Park.
[Featured Image: @bersonphotos via Instagram]