City of Spartanburg to close downtown Ferris Wheel for not meeting operation standards
The City of Spartanburg responded Monday to social media posts and comments about unsafe and improper operation of the Ferris Wheel set up downtown last week, stating that it will cease operations for the rest of the scheduled dates during the holiday season.
The statement, provided by city Communications and Marketing Manager Christopher George and posted to social media, said that the Ferris Wheel did not meet "the quality of operation standards" expected.
A Facebook post from Sunday on the city's page has over 500 comments as of Monday afternoon.
On Saturday, Dec. 10 City staff were informed by a number of community members about concerns regarding the Ferris wheel installed in Downtown Spartanburg for this holiday season. Responding to these concerns, City staff then contacted the ride operators and made the decision to cease operations for the remainder of the weekend. City management has since conferred with the Ferris wheel’s ownership, and we have made the decision to discontinue the attraction for the remainder of its scheduled dates as the attraction has not met the quality of operation standards we set for such amenities in our community. While we are disappointed in this outcome, the City will use this opportunity to evaluate our processes and oversight for future attractions and events in Downtown Spartanburg.
Christopher George, City of Spartanburg Communications and Marketing Manager, in a statement released late Monday afternoon
George confirmed in a text message earlier Monday that the Ferris Wheel was closed Saturday "due to safety concerns brought to our attention by downtown visitors" and a more in-depth statement would be released later in the day about the Ferris Wheel's status going forward.
George said he did not know the exact time Saturday evening operations were shut down. The Ferris Wheel was introduced Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the city's A Dickens of a Christmas event.
The Ferris Wheel was presented by Piedmont Interstate Fair. It was set up on South Spring Street between West Main and West Broad streets as of Monday afternoon.
Many of the 500-plus comments under the city's Facebook post allege that one of the Ferris Wheel's operators on Saturday was operating the machine erratically at unsafe speeds. Some comments allege an operator was under the influence of alcohol.
Numerous comments from those who said they attended the attraction Saturday evening said riders, including children, were not allowed to get off the ride despite repeated requests.
The Ferris Wheel was free to ride, and each "pod" could carry two passengers.
Public Information Officer Major Art Littlejohn of the Spartanburg Police Department said Monday morning he was aware of the issues surrounding the Ferris Wheel. He said no incident report was taken or arrest made.
"There's not a crime that occurred, so it's not a police issue. It's a city issue," Littlejohn said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: City of Spartanburg responds to online comments concerning downtown Ferris Wheel operation
