Pacific Park occupies the end of the Santa Monica Pier, where amusement rides extend a century-old public landmark into a contemporary seaside attraction. Its place in a changing pier history reflects the community’s decision to preserve recreation on the waterfront.
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The amusement rides occupy a pier that has repeatedly had to defend its public future. Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909, first as a municipal wharf, and later became a place for entertainment and recreation. In the 1970s, plans to demolish it prompted residents to organize a campaign to save the pier.
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- The Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909.
- Pacific Park opened in 1996.
- It was the first amusement park on the pier since 1930.
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