As someone who has adored roller coasters, amusement parks, and all sorts of other themed experiences since childhood, it felt odd growing up in San Francisco. For all the bright colors, kitschy diversions, and innate playfulness of the city’s booming tourism industry, I found the lack of actual amusement parks or even amusement park-like rides disconcerting. Even today, as the city leaders tout the newest rooftop park or downhill big wheel race as the pinnacle of leisurely activities, I can’t help but wish there were more.
That’s because San Francisco used to be far more inviting for thrill-seekers. Beginning in the 1890s with Woodward’s Gardens, continuing through the early 20th century with various “shoot-the-chutes” rides, and ending in 1972 with the closure of Playland-at-the-Beach, amusement parks were a consistent presence in San Francisco until they weren’t, closely tied to the city’s eccentric cultural identity. And now with a near-50-year gap since the last coaster graced our skyline, it’s a wonder if anything will ever restore that same feeling of excitement.
The SkyStar Wheel in Golden Gate Park is definitely a step in the right direction, but it can only do so much to bring the city together. In fact, it seems to be doing quite the opposite, indicated by the uproar it has caused simply by existing. What began as a fairly innocent proposal has evolved into a political issue wrought with public hearings and mobilized opposition groups.
But perhaps if we all just took a step back to look at the city’s past relationship with amusement parks, we might be able to understand why San Francisco was such a haven for them in the first place, and maybe even realize that we could use a little more fun in our lives.
For more, check out my video below:
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