Saving Belmont

The Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Amusement Park faced certain demolition after its closure in 1976. The aging relic was burned, vandalized, and looked down upon by people who just wanted it wiped off the face of the earth. Timothy Cole is a native San Diegan and roller coaster enthusiast who at 17, jumped into one of the city’s most dramatic, controversial and successful preservation efforts ever. Joining the new Save the Coaster Committee, he found himself to be the youngest owner of the 70-foot tall, dilapidated ride made of wood. The abandoned roller coaster became his sanctuary and solace from a world where, due to a learning disability, was fraught with familial, academic and social challenges. Tim’s care and determination to put life back in the ride was also an attempt to fix all that he thought was wrong with himself. The author tells behind-the-scenes stories of the trials and tribulations of the Mission Beach amusement center through its 100 years and how, somehow, it persevered turbulent ups and downs. It also tells of events in his life that played some role in guiding him towards participating is such a unique cause.He learned a tough lesson about leaving well enough alone after the roller coaster started carrying passengers once again in August 1990. In 2017 he had the prestige of being made Honorary Member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts for his dedication towards saving and restoring the landmark and for his research of Belmont Park and other historic roller coasters. Tim attended SDSU where he majored in dramatic arts, leaving in 1988. He currently works in the theater world and participates in several local writing, storytelling, and performing art venues.