Pacific Park, Environmental Impact Statement

Located in sunny Santa Monica, Calif., one of the most progressive sustainable cities in the United States, Pacific Park® is committed to being a leader in our industry for green initiatives. This dedication is evident in the air by the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier was first opened in 1996, then converted to solar power just two years later. On sunny days, the Ferris wheel’s power consumption is offset by three solar arrays located on the rooftop of the Park’s midway games and station for the West Coaster. The solar panels make up the iconic silhouette of the Pier and can be seen from the beach as constant reminder that Santa Monica is dedicated to green initiatives and mitigating the environmental impacts of millions of visitors who visit the entertainment destination each year. Through its own grassroots efforts, Pacific Park received the “Excellence in Stewardship of the Natural Environment” award at the 15th annual Sustainable Quality Awards presented by the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit Sustainable Works.

In addition to our commitment to green energy, Pacific Park was an early adopter of the City’s organic collection program. Every day, visitors to the Pier contribute to rubbish and trash being added to local landfills. In addition to recycling plastics, cans and cardboard, Pacific Park collects organic materials from our kitchens and concessions to be diverted from the landfill to the City of Santa Monica’s organics program. To learn more about how organics are reused by the City, visit www.smgov.net.

Being a green business goes beyond the property lines. Use of low-flow water fixtures, installing reduced-wattage lighting, and participation in local initiatives to reduce single-use plastics are great steps our guests can take back to their own homes. Pacific Park works to bring awareness of these solutions not only in our participation of these programs, but also by participating in regional and global awareness campaigns. Every year on March 22^nd, Pacific Park turns off the lights of the Pacific Wheel to observe Earth Hour, a moment to celebrate climate and environmental action across the globe. Earth Hour is celebrated in more than 180 countries and territories. Locally, Pacific Park supports Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and their beach clean ups, and the Bay Foundation in their initiatives to rebuild local habitats for local, endemic flora and fauna.