Class Action Park Reveals New Jersey's Most Dangerous Amusement Park
Class Action Park, located in Vernon Township, New Jersey, gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous amusement parks in America during its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. The park's nickname stemmed from the numerous lawsuits filed against it due to injuries sustained by visitors on its experimental and poorly designed attractions.
Action Park's reputation for danger attracted thrill-seekers and reckless teenagers, who were often supervised by equally young and inexperienced staff members. The park's founder, Gene Mulvihill, prioritized excitement over safety, leading to the creation of rides that pushed the boundaries of physics and common sense.
Despite its hazardous nature, Action Park held a special place in the hearts of many New Jersey residents who viewed it as a rite of passage. The park's legacy lives on through documentaries and books that explore its wild history, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of safety regulations in the amusement park industry.
History and Development
Action Park's history is a tale of innovation, controversy, and rapid growth. The park's development shaped it into one of New Jersey's most notorious attractions.
Origin and Foundations
Action Park opened its gates on May 26, 1978, in Vernon Township, New Jersey. Gene Mulvihill, the visionary behind the park, founded it as part of Great American Recreation. The park occupied 250 acres on the grounds of the Vernon Valley/Great Gorge ski resort.
Mulvihill's concept was revolutionary: create an amusement park where guests controlled their own experiences. This unique approach set Action Park apart from traditional theme parks of the era.
The Rise of Action Park
By 1982, Action Park boasted over 50 rides and attractions. Its popularity soared, fueled by aggressive marketing campaigns on local New York TV stations. The park's rapid expansion included water-based attractions and thrill rides that pushed the boundaries of safety and design.
Action Park's reputation for intense experiences attracted thrill-seekers from across the region. Its most famous attractions included:
Alpine Slide
Cannonball Loop
Tidal Wave Pool
Tarzan Swing
Ownership and Management
Great American Recreation, under Gene Mulvihill's leadership, owned and operated Action Park throughout its original run. Mulvihill's hands-on management style influenced the park's daring approach to ride design and guest experiences.
The company's unconventional practices extended to insurance. When traditional insurers balked at covering the park, Mulvihill reportedly created his own insurance company to underwrite Action Park's operations.
This unique management approach allowed Action Park to push boundaries, but it also led to numerous safety concerns and legal challenges over the years.
Attractions and Rides
Action Park gained notoriety for its unconventional and often dangerous attractions. The park pushed the boundaries of ride design, creating unique experiences that both thrilled and endangered visitors.
Infamous Rides
The Alpine Slide stood out as one of Action Park's signature attractions. Riders descended a concrete track on small sleds with minimal brakes, leading to frequent injuries. The Cannonball Loop became legendary for its nearly impossible design - a fully vertical loop on a water slide that few dared to attempt.
Another hazardous ride was the Tarzan Swing, which launched guests over a pool of frigid water. Many underestimated the shock of the cold and struggled to swim to safety. These extreme attractions earned Action Park its reputation as "America's most dangerous amusement park."
The Unconventional Water Park
Action Park's water attractions defied conventional safety standards. The Tidal Wave Pool, nicknamed "The Grave Pool," generated massive waves that overwhelmed many swimmers. Between 1982 and 1987, it claimed three lives.
The park featured experimental water rides like kayak courses through rapids and early versions of what would become modern water coasters. These attractions often lacked thorough testing and proper safety measures.
Minimal supervision and lax rules allowed visitors to create their own hazardous situations. Alcohol was readily available, adding to the risks as intoxicated guests attempted daring feats on already dangerous rides.
Safety and Controversies
Action Park gained notoriety for its dangerous rides and lax safety standards. The park's reputation led to nicknames like "Traction Park" and "Class Action Park" among visitors.
Incidents and Accidents
Action Park's safety record was marred by numerous injuries and fatalities. The park saw at least six confirmed deaths between 1978 and 1996. Injuries were commonplace, with reports of broken bones, lacerations, and near-drownings occurring regularly.
The Alpine Slide was particularly hazardous, causing frequent skin burns and more serious accidents. The Cannonball Loop water slide was so dangerous it was rarely open, with test dummies reportedly emerging dismembered.
The Wave Pool, nicknamed "The Grave Pool," claimed several lives due to its strong currents and inadequate lifeguard staffing. Many visitors suffered electric shocks on various rides due to poor maintenance and design flaws.
Legal and Ethical Issues
Action Park faced numerous lawsuits from injured guests and their families. The park's insurance premiums skyrocketed, and they eventually struggled to find insurers willing to cover them.
The park's management was criticized for prioritizing thrills over safety. They often employed underage workers to operate rides, many of whom were inadequately trained. Safety equipment was frequently missing or in poor condition.
State regulators repeatedly cited Action Park for safety violations, but enforcement was inconsistent. The park's influence in the local economy sometimes led to lax oversight. These issues raised serious ethical concerns about the park's operations and its duty of care to visitors.
Cultural Impact
Action Park left an indelible mark on popular culture, sparking both fascination and controversy. Its legacy lives on through various media depictions and a strong sense of nostalgia among those who experienced its thrills firsthand.
Media Depictions and Documentary
The infamous New Jersey water park gained renewed attention with the release of "Class Action Park" on HBO Max. This documentary, co-directed by Seth Porges, explores the park's history and impact through interviews and archival footage. It features comedian Chris Gethard sharing personal anecdotes about his experiences at the park.
The film incorporates home-movie footage from the 1980s, offering viewers a glimpse into the park's chaotic atmosphere. These real-life clips showcase the daring rides and carefree attitude that defined Action Park's heyday.
Nostalgia and Pop Culture
Action Park has become a symbol of 1980s nostalgia, representing a time of looser safety regulations and unbridled fun. Its reputation has inspired numerous references in TV shows, books, and online discussions.
The park's legacy has sparked debates about risk-taking and personal responsibility in entertainment. Many former visitors fondly recall their experiences, despite the dangers, as formative moments in their youth.
Action Park's influence extends to modern amusement park design, serving as a cautionary tale that has shaped safety standards. Its story continues to captivate audiences, blending thrilling memories with sobering reflections on the consequences of extreme entertainment.
Legacy and Aftermath
Action Park's controversial history left an indelible mark on New Jersey's entertainment landscape. Its closure marked the end of an era, but its impact continues to resonate in popular culture and modern amusement park safety standards.
Closure and Rebranding
Action Park closed its gates in 1996 after years of mounting lawsuits and safety concerns. Financial troubles, including unpaid taxes, contributed to its downfall. The park's assets were sold to a company based in the Cayman Islands.
In 1998, the site reopened as Mountain Creek Waterpark. The new owners implemented stricter safety measures and redesigned many attractions. They aimed to distance themselves from Action Park's notorious reputation.
Mountain Creek Waterpark operated with varying success over the years. In 2010, the original owners briefly regained control and attempted to revive the Action Park brand. This experiment lasted until 2016.
Modern-Day Perception
Action Park has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking nostalgia and morbid fascination. A 2020 documentary, "Class Action Park," reignited public interest in the park's wild history.
Many former visitors share stories of their experiences, mixing fond memories with acknowledgment of the dangers. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Action Park have emerged.
The park's legacy raises questions about risk, personal responsibility, and the evolution of safety regulations. It serves as a cautionary tale for the amusement industry.
Some view Action Park as a symbol of a bygone era of reduced oversight and increased personal freedom. Others see it as a dangerous anomaly that fortunately cannot exist in today's regulatory environment.
