Giant Dipper Takes Fast Track Into History

The Giant Dipper roller coaster got quite a gift for its 65th birthday--a plaque designating the 71-foot wooden attraction in Belmont Park a national historic landmark.

Scheduled to reopen in August, the Giant Dipper is in the final stages of a $1.2-million restoration by San Diego Seaside Co.

During a ceremony Wednesday, the coaster, which opened July 4, 1925, took its place among such local historic landmarks as Mission San Diego.

The Giant Dipper, which survived years of demolition threats, was designated a landmark as part of a National Park Service study of recreation in America, said Ann Houston, a historian with the park service.

“It recognizes them as historically important and brings it to public attention,” Houston said.

When the coaster opens, the San Diego Seaside Co. promises a ride of spills and thrills. Lasting about two minutes, a train of cars will travel about a half mile of track, hit 13 drops and go about 45 m.p.h., said Tim Cole, assistant manager of the company.

“But it’ll seem like 90,” Cole said.

On Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. at Belmont Park there will be entertainment and free birthday cake celebrating the coaster’s return. Visitors will be able to enter a drawing for two seats on the Giant Dipper’s inaugural ride. The Liberty Carousel, the park’s newest attraction, will also be open.

The San Diego and Santa Cruz giant dippers are the only two seaside coasters on the West Coast, said Judi Lapin, director of marketing for Belmont Park.