100 Years Of Thrill Rides and Chill Vibes

Save the Coaster Committee

Meanwhile, The Plunge was closed, along with the rest of the park in April of 1987, due to failed city earthquake and fire requirements. The San Diego City Council allowed new developers to turn the rest of the abandoned park into a commercial shopping center and Belmont Park reopened in 1988 with a new look. World-renowned environmental marine artist, Wyland, painted the “Orcas off Point Loma” whaling wall in 1989. Though The Plunge has endured many modifications, certain features historic to the pool, such as the steps into the pool and the pedestal, located at the bottom of the steps, were rescued and allowed to stay.

The San Diego Coaster Company

The president and executive vice president were interested and traveled to San Diego to meet with the Belmont Park developer. The parcel of land that contained the roller coaster was not part of the developer’s project, yet it was situated in the middle of the complex. Having the coaster restored and operating would benefit all concerned. After a year of discussions with the City of San Diego and many others, the City approved a long-term lease. A new company, The San Diego Coaster Company, was officially formed to restore and operate the Giant Dipper.

Reopening

On August 11, 1990 the newly restored, historic roller coaster was reopened. The response by the public was overwhelming. The restored structure, station house, and train were beautiful. Local residents who had ridden the roller coaster years earlier brought their families to see and experience the ride they had ridden when they were growing up. The public response was so strong that the San Diego Coaster Company ordered a second train that was ready by the following spring. Annual ridership on the Giant Dipper in the first year was three times the original projections.

Today, both The Giant Dipper and The Plunge pool remain as not only pieces of history, but are still two of the main attractions to experience at Belmont Park.