The orange dinosaur at the miniature golf course on Route 1 in Saugus. Item Photo by Owen O’Rourke
By Bridget Turcotte
SAUGUS — Route 1 Miniature Golf & Batting Cages will close permanently next weekend but the iconic orange dinosaur won’t travel far.
The park opened in 1958 and includes an 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages and Dairy Castle ice cream stand. It’s best known for the orange dinosaur that has towered over Route 1 for generations.
The park and adjacent properties will soon be transformed into Essex Landing, designed by BMA Architectural Group. The $120 million development will include 250 one-bedroom apartments in four buildings, two hotels, retail space and garage parking in seven buildings.
Michael Barsamian, a partner in the project, said he purchased the orange dinosaur — he won’t say for how much — and plans to install it next to the new hotel along with a pitch and putt net.
“It’s like the Citgo sign,” he said. “Everyone knows it and we plan to use it on the site.
Owner Diana Fay said the family received several inquiries about purchasing the 20-foot structure, but she wants it to remain where it stands.
“I would love to be able to leave him right where he is, if they can put him in their plans,” she said. “People want to pick him up and move him to this town or that town. The Saugonians want to see him stay put. They feel like he’s a part of the town and our history.”
The other statues will find new homes. Four obstacles, named after her grandchildren, will soon reside in the Fay’s yard, she said.
This summer, which she calls “the encore season,” had a great turnout. She attributes the course’s popularity to warm weather and the sentiment of playing one last round.
“As I look over my golf course, it looks amazing,” she said. “Everything is green and looking so pristine. It looks like we’re open for the season. It’s hard to think fall is around the corner and the end of the family business is paramount. Fall flowers are out and everything looks beautiful. It’s a happy place.”
The sale is expected to close at the end of the month.
“The gentlemen working on this project have some amazing plans for this piece of property,” she said. “I have seen their photographs and drawings. It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful place for the people of Saugus to visit.”
Thomas Grillo contributed to this report.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.
