The Giant Dipper at Belmont Park was designed and built by Fred Church and Frank Prior, who constructed the wooden roller coaster in less than a month. The entire Mission Beach Amusement Center, which Belmont Park was called at the time, was developed at a cost of $2.5 million by John D. and Adolph Spreckels to attract visitors and residents to the Mission Beach area, with the roller coaster as its main attraction. The ride was renamed the Roller Coaster in the 1950s, and the attraction was given to the city of San Diego in 1954. On February 2, 1955, a fire severely damaged the Roller Coaster and killed the park's head mechanic. The ride was thereafter closed for 2 years until it was repaired and reopened on May 31, 1957.
The Roller Coaster was designated a San Diego Historic Landmark on December 7, 1973, and was renamed the Earthquake in 1976. The Earthquake operated until the park closed due to financial issues on November 28, 1976, when it was essentially abandoned for years. The ride was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 27, 1978. In August 1979, the ride was scheduled for demolition, but that was cancelled in April 1980. The Earthquake was damaged by two separate arson attacks on February 27 and March 18, 1981. In 1981, the Save the Coaster Committee was formed to save and refurbish the ride and acquired ownership of the Earthquake on August 18, 1982.
The coaster was designated a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 1987. In September 1989, the San Diego Seaside Company took ownership of the ride and changed the name back to the original, The Giant Dipper. The ride was restored and reopened on August 11, 1990. In 1997, local radio station Star 100.7 held a marathon on the ride where contestants rode the coaster for 12 hours straight for 11 days in a row. The marathon was so successful that the radio station held a second marathon on the Giant Dipper in 1998 which lasted an incredible 70 days. Winning contestants split a check for $50,000 in cash prizes.
As the Giant Dipper reaches 100 years in age, concerns about its structural integrity have been voiced by locals like Kevin Payne, a Mission Beach resident and water damage technician. Payne has raised alarms on social media platforms like , sharing images that suggest deteriorating wood and rust on the coaster's framework, accusing Belmont Park of painting over rotted wood rather than replacing it. His observations have prompted a broader discussion on whether this centenarian ride can safely continue to thrill riders.
In response, Belmont Park, now managed by the San Diego Seaside Company, has publicly addressed these concerns. According to Maddison Sinclair, the park's public relations manager, the Giant Dipper undergoes both announced and unannounced inspections regularly. A recent inspection, prompted by Payne's complaints, reaffirmed the ride's safety. Sinclair highlighted that over $1.5 million has been spent in the last year on maintenance, including replacing wood and ensuring the ride's safety for daily operations.
Belmont Park emphasizes that safety is paramount, with daily operational checks where the coaster is ridden four times before public access each day. This routine maintenance is part of a broader commitment to preserving the historical ride while ensuring it meets modern safety standards.
Despite safety concerns, the Giant Dipper continues to attract crowds eager for its nostalgic thrill. While some complain about its rough ride causing whiplash, others are drawn to experience a piece of history. It's now recognized as the 10th oldest roller coaster globally, the 5th in the U.S., the sole surviving coaster from 1925, and one of only three remaining Fred Church designs.Ìý
Belmont Park is under the stewardship of Pacifica Enterprises, which holds the lease from the City of San Diego for the 7-acre beachfront property. This company not only manages Belmont Park but also is tasked with overseeing that the Giant Dipper, as a historical asset, is maintained to both retain its charm and ensure rider safety.
As the Giant Dipper approaches its 100th birthday, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic amusement park rides. While the debate over its safety continues, the claimed commitment to its upkeep seems convincing. The community's vigilance, combined with the park's proactive approach to maintenance, suggests a collective effort to keep this piece of San Diego's history both operational and safe for future generations to enjoy. Whether it will continue to be a safe ride hinges on ongoing diligent maintenance and public oversight, ensuring this historic roller coaster can celebrate many more birthdays.
Belmont Park is located at 3146 Mission Boulevard in San Diego's Mission Beach neighborhood. For more information about the upcoming Centennial Celebration, visitÌý.
Originally published on February 13, 2025.Ìý
