A colossal piece of New Jersey's amusement park history has changed hands in a dramatic auction that saw bids reach staggering heights. The iconic 20-foot dinosaur statue that stood sentinel over Clementon Park for generations has been sold for an impressive $110,000 (£86,000).
The End of an Era for Local Landmark
For decades, the towering prehistoric creature known affectionately as 'Jurassic Joe' welcomed visitors to the now-closed Clementon Park and Splash World. The fibreglass behemoth became more than just park decoration—it evolved into a cherished local landmark and backdrop for countless family photographs.
The auction, conducted by Stout Auctions, attracted significant attention from collectors and nostalgia-seekers alike. What began as an expected sale in the $5,000-$10,000 range quickly escalated into a bidding war that far exceeded expectations.
From Theme Park Guardian to Private Collection
Measuring an impressive 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length, the dinosaur required professional dismantling and transportation. The statue's new owner now faces the considerable task of relocating the prehistoric giant to its new home.
Christopher Baum, senior vice president of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, expressed little surprise at the final price. 'These iconic pieces become woven into the fabric of community memory,' he noted. 'They represent childhoods, first dates, family outings—the emotional connection drives values well beyond the material worth.'
A Symbolic Farewell to Clementon Park
The dinosaur's sale represents one of the final chapters in the story of Clementon Park, which operated for over a century before its permanent closure. The park's contents, including other statues and amusement equipment, are being gradually liquidated.
Local residents have expressed mixed emotions about the sale. While pleased the dinosaur will be preserved, many mourn the loss of a familiar sight that had become part of the community's identity.
The substantial sale price demonstrates the growing market for amusement park memorabilia and the powerful nostalgia these artifacts command. As one era ends for the Clementon Park dinosaur, a new chapter begins—preserved not in a public park, but as a prized piece of private collection history.
