The rise, fall and rise again of the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster in San Diego's Belmont Park

These reports from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, take a look back at the rise and fall and rise again of San Diego’s Belmont Park, and in particular, its famous roller coaster. In 1978, News 8 reported on the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and how it had fallen into disrepair after the park closed two years prior. Homeless people sought refuge on the property sometimes starting fires and leaving trash behind. In 1980, the city of San Diego was planning to tear down the rollercoaster structure in favor of a passive park area, but a man named Bill Evans was working to save the coaster with a plan to revamp the entire area for $2.5 - $3 million. In 1987, work to dismantle the coaster began much to the dismay of San Diegans who grew up with the iconic ride. But come 1990, the Giant Dipper had found new life after a complete restoration. Kids and families were pleased to get back on the coaster and lined up with beaming smiles to take a trip on the tracks. www.cbs8.com/article/news/loc...
1976 film here: • The Giant Dipper Rolle...

[@vonrollskyway1]

Love that it got saved. 95 years old this year

[@MrJDOaktown]

I was a "Patrol Boy" @ Lafayette Elementary, Clairemont.
Belmont Park in the '60s would have Patrol Boy night to celebrate our efforts.

[@ColonizersBlow]

Shocking to see it looking so rough. I’ve only ever seen it looking good & in shape. Son is headed to a field trip there this Friday.

[@briandelaney9710]

I remember it when it was in decline but have good memories. Just before it closed in 1976, I ride the coaster 10 times in a row I was 11

[@Len1966]

Belmont Park is alive and well! Including the rollercoaster!

[@harryhollas2004]

I swear the park closed down

[@thrummer1953]

It did for a while.@@harryhollas2004

[@thrummer1953]

Yeah, and I'm glad. But it's...Different.