G is for Giant Dipper
(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge. My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is G.)
(By Greg Bulla, www.gregbulla.com from Wikimedia Commons)
How about a roller coaster ride today! Let’s visit the Giant Dipper in Mission Beach, San Diego. The Giant Dipper has two claims to fame.
- 1. It was built in 1925, and only a dozen roller coasters in the world are older and still in use.
- 2. It is one of only two large wooden scaffolded roller coasters with structural integrity that remain on the West Coast. The other one is in Santa Cruz.
I love this picture, because it shows both Mission Beach and Mission Bay. Belmont Park, home of the Giant Dipper, is situated on the Mission Beach side, facing the Pacific Ocean.
The Giant Dipper was popular for decades after it was built, but eventually fell into disrepair, and was closed down in 1976. In fact, all of Belmont Park was closed. Talks were made of selling the land to a development company, and building condos on the spot.
But a group of loyal citizens formed “Save the Coaster Committee.” They were able to have the coaster designated as a National Landmark, and preserve the roller coaster from being demolished.
Eventually investors renovated the coaster, and got it up to current earthquake and operating standards. In 1990 it was reopened.
Now new generations of San Diegans and visitors enjoy this old-fashioned fun ride all year round.
https://www.donnaamisdavis.com/g-giant-dipper/San DiegoSan Diego A to Zbelmont park,mission beach,San Diego(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge. My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is G.) How about a roller coaster ride today!...Donna Amis DavisDonna Amis Davis[email protected]AdministratorDonna Amis Davis
Wow, that looks like an awesome roller coaster. I’ve only ridden two wooden coasters before – one a Knotts Berry Farm in California and the other at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay (the first was a thrill, the second a bit too shaky for my taste). I’m sharing a similar story today of a neighbourhood set to be demolished for a freeway only to be saved by locals and designated a historical site. I guess it just goes to show that we can all make a difference 🙂
Oh, I’ll have to bop over to your blog and see that one. You are right, people can make a difference if they feel strongly enough about something.
The Giant Dipper used to be kind of shaky, too. Which was part of the fun – but it wasn’t a thrill-seeker coaster, just a fun one.
Oh, I’ll have to bop over to your blog and see that one. You are right, people can make a difference if they feel strongly enough about something.
I love roller coasters -that one looks amazing .. The good old ones are pretty impressive to look at- and to take a ride in too I guess. Very happy to follow your destinations through this challenge, Donna:-)
That’s an impressive roller coaster. Not that I would ever go on it – I’m too scared. Does it ever get stuck? The one in Strathclyde Park in Motherwell has stuck a few times and left people hanging upside down until the fire brigade rescued them.
I love Mr Bean on a roller coaster.
The whole of the Mr Been episode is at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gLgytpo6vc
It’s very funny and set in a funfair in Southport in England.