SkyWheel Adds Family Fun To Boardwalk

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is getting a new 200 foot neighbor! The SkyWheel ferris wheel, is being built just a stones throw from the boardwalk, adjacent to Plyler Park. With a price tag of 12 to 15 million dollars, its joins the 1.2 mile Boardwalk and Promenade as Myrtle Beach’s newest ocean front attractions. Plans for the new SkyWheel 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. Cost will be around $10 for an adult, but that figure isn’t official yet. Myrtle Beach city officials plan to make the SkyWheel a year round family entertainment attraction. Being built in what is considered a “hurricane surge zone”, the SkyWheel developers must meet stringent building codes. The main platform which houses the ferris wheel, ticket booth and a new restaurant are being built on 106 pilings, which are planted 30 feet into the ground. The platform will sit approximately 20 feet above sea-level. The ferris wheel infrastructure must be able to withstand hurricane force winds up to 130 miles an hour. For safety purposes, officials state the ferris wheel will not be allowed to operate if surface winds are greater than 35 miles an hour. Follow the progress of the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel being built! Every couple of weeks, new photo’s will be published showing how the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is progressing. If you’ve got a pic or two to share, contact us via our Contact page and let us know.