In celebration of Earth Day 2026 and this year’s global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will illuminate its iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel with vibrant green and blue lighting, highlighted by a striking 90-foot-tall spinning globe. The one-night-only display on Wednesday, April 22 will feature eco-inspired patterns and imagery designed to spotlight renewable energy and environmental stewardship along the California coastline.
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally including 1 billion people in more than 192 countries. For more, visit earthday.org
The Pacific Wheel’s 174,000 LED lights are mounted on the Ferris wheel’s structure including the 40 spokes and two hubs. The world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel’s lighting system features 16.7 million color value combinations while the programming and display software presents imaging up to 24 frames per second to display dynamic, custom, computer-generated lighting entertainment. The eco-friendly, enhanced LED lighting provides 81 percent greater energy savings than most Ferris wheel’s traditional incandescent bulbs.
Being
Green: Pacific Park is committed to being a leader in its industry for green initiatives and sustainability. This dedication is evident in the air by the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel and on the ground with the introduction of the world’s first wind-powered midway game, among a variety of other business greening initiatives.
The City of Santa Monica recognized Pacific Park with a 2020-2021 “Gold GoSaMo Achievement” award for reducing vehicle trips, congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions in the city. The GoSaMo program is designed to help employers and property managers comply with local transportation regulations and assist commuters, residents, and visitors to find the mobility options that best suit their needs.
Pacific Park received the “Excellence in Stewardship of the Natural Environment” award at the 15th annual Sustainable Quality Awards by the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit Sustainable Works.
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 its 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.
Pacific Park also 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.
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