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T H E M E PA R K SBELMONT PARK:San Diego’s very own beachfront amusement parkThe old lady breathes new life for a new generation of patronsBelmont Park, one of two remaining seaside amusement parksin California, is celebrating its 87th anniversary this year.Located next to the sand in Mission Beach, Belmont Park, originallyknown as the Mission Beach Amusement Center (it becameknown as Belmont Park in the ‘50s), has provided a place offun and entertainment for the San Diego community since 1925when the park opened with its featured attractions — the GiantDipper roller coaster and the Plunge, the largest indoor pool.The Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot long roller coaster, became thecenter of the amusement park during the mid-1900s, during atime when seaside parks began to appear across the nation as ameans to sell beachfront land.However, in the ’60s and ’70s, Belmont Park began to deteriorateand was closed in December 1976. For 13 years the park wasclosed, and beachfront amusement parks rapidly began to disappearall around the country.Over the years the Giant Dipper survived several fires, and simplybecame a blemish to the Mission Beach community. The Cityordered it to be torn down; the Evans family, who owned the rollercoaster at the time, succumbed; but a group of citizens, the Savethe Coaster Committee, fought hard for the Giant Dipper. TheEvans family donated the Coaster to them. The Committee succeededin later having it named a National Landmark.With new interest growing in restoring Belmont Park to itsoriginal glory, a new developer began to take the steps necessaryto bring the park back to life. Together with the Save the CoasterCommittee and city of San Diego, the developer began workingwith Santa Cruz Seaside Co. to restore the complex of BelmontPark and repair the Giant Dipper. Several years went by before anew company, the San Diego Seaside Co., now the San DiegoCoaster Co., was formed to officially restore and operate the GiantDipper.In 1988, the new Belmont Park reopened, but without theGiant Dipper fully restored. The outcome was a disaster — restaurantsand retail shops quickly came and went until August 1990,when the Giant Dipper was opened.“When the Giant Dipper reopened, most businesses saw a 500percent increase in sales. It was proof that the amusement aspectof the park was needed,” said Wendy Crain, general manager ofthe San Diego Coaster Co.Ever since then Belmont Park has been flourishing. Because ofthe relatively small amount of space — something that makes theseaside park unique — rides and attractions are more likely to beexchanged each year, rather than added.“We have put a new ride or attraction in the park every otheryear, since 2005, and we hope to continue this trend,” said CrainThe Giant Dipper takes a plunge.The historic Plunge.3 6S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M | J U LY 2 0 1 2 | 2 7 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 2
T R AV E Lof the process for maintaining the excitementand entertainment of the park.Although small, small compared to thelikes of Six Flags or Disney World, thepark is a treasure chest full of hidden surprises.Besides the Giant Dipper, Belmont Parkholds another historical attraction, thePlunge. At the time of its opening, it wasthe largest salt-water pool in the world. Ittoo was closed in April 1987 after failingto meet the city’s earthquake and fire requirements.In 1988 the 12,000-squarefootpool was reopened with some newchanges, but the same structure.The Plunge and the Giant Dipper arethe only two structures remaining from theoriginal Belmont Park.While the 400,000 gallons of water isnow freshwater (the saltwater began to affectthe filter system), the Plunge has notlost any of its prestige and is today consideredSouthern California’s largest indoorheated pool. Today, a beautiful mural byWyland of several orca whales covers theentirety of the Plunge’s south wall.The Plunge and the Giant Dipper arethe historical gems of Belmont Park, butthe amusement park holds so much more.One of the newer main attractions to thepark is the Wave House, which opened in2005. The Wave House is a complex thatincorporates an athletic club, the Plunge,restaurants and several wave machines: theFlowBarrel and FlowRider.Although these attractions play centralroles in the entertainment Belmont Parkoffers the community of San Diego, the atmospherecreated by the different retailshops, restaurants and attractions that linethe midway, the main thoroughfarethrough the park, is a charm in itself. A differentfamily or individual owns eachrestaurant and shop or individual, truly givingthe park a “mom and pop” feel.Despite the small size, Belmont Park isvibrating with life. Whether you are lookingfor a place to get a thrill on a ride orplay some laser tag and arcade games orsimply just go for a swim, get fit, shoparound and eat some good food, BelmontPark offers it all.Belmont Park is open daily from 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. during the summer time, howeverthe closing time is subject to change.For more information about the park’sprices and attractions and a calendar ofevents, visit its website www.belmontpark.com.Wendy Crain, general manager of the SanDiego Coaster Co.Riding the waves.Breathless Control Freak riders.2 7 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 2 | J U LY 2 0 1 2 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M3 7
Page 1: July 2012DeMAIO VS. FILNERA RARE PA
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Page 7 and 8: S A N D I EG O S C E N ENew Childre
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