Old Courthouse Grounds Are Invaded By A Giant, Tourist Loving DinosaurMarch 27th, 2008
By Linda Kor
It may look out of its element next to the historic courthouse in downtown Holbrook, but a dinosaur is now making its home there to be appreciated by residents and visitors alike.
This is one of four dinosaurs that the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce has purchased from the former International Petrified Forest Park, a privately owned tourist attraction that closed its doors approximately two years ago. Two of the statues are Triceratops; another is a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the one now stand-ing on the old courthouse grounds is identified as a Chindesaurus. These, along with several others, have adorned Interstate 40 north of Holbrook, but Arizona Department of Transportation officials considered them a distraction to drivers as many stopped along the highway in order to take photographs.
When the statues became available for purchase, the chamber acquired four of them for a total price of $10,000. The suspected difficulty would be finding a way to transport the hefty beasts. Fortunately, help was not far from home. Winslow Truck Repair had the necessary equipment and will be transporting the statues for a total cost quoted at $8,000.
Aside from this one, there will be two dinosaurs placed at the West End Park and one along Interstate 40 at the north end of the city. The one at the courthouse is the smallest of the group. The other three will require permits due to their size, and will be delivered in the near future depending on the weather.
The dinosaurs, which are constructed out of rebar, mesh wire and concrete mortar are difficult to trans-port due to their weight. It is estimated that this dinosaur weighed in at approximately 15,000 pounds--and is the lightest of the statues.
 Photo by Linda Kor
This statue was recently transplanted from along Interstate 40 to the lot behind the Historic Navajo County Courthouse in downtown Holbrook. He’s expected to be quite an attraction to visitors travel-ing along Navajo Blvd.
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