SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A rare sight in Belmont Park - giant stuffed animals riding a historic roller coaster.
According to the amusement park, the stuffed animals are being used the test the Giant Dipper. A spokesperson with the park says people passing through enjoyed catching a glimpse of the tests.
The dipper has to be tested daily, but amid the coronavirus, the park had to get creative and decided to load the train up with massive stuffed animals.
The tests come ahead of the coasters 95th birthday this July 4.
The Giant Dipper was built by the Prior and Church Company in 1925 amid the Golden Age of wooden roller coasters, the park says.
In 1976, the entire park closed due to financial difficulties. After the park closed, a group of San Diegans formed a Save the Coaster Committee and obtained a state historic preservation grant to help start the restoration, the park says.
Later, in 1990, the San Diego Coaster Company was formed, signing a lease with the City of San Diego to restore the coaster. At last, it was restored at a cost of $2 million, according to the park.
Learn more about the coaster and Belmont Park by clicking here.
