Relive the Dangerous Thrills of Class Action Park
Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey gained notoriety in the 1980s and 1990s as one of the most dangerous amusement parks ever to exist. Nicknamed "Class Action Park" and "Traction Park" by visitors, it became infamous for its experimental rides and lax safety standards. The park's popularity stemmed from its thrilling attractions that pushed the boundaries of safety, often leading to injuries and legal troubles.
The park's unique appeal lay in its lawless atmosphere, where drunk teenage employees supervised equally intoxicated teenage guests. Rides were designed with little regard for physics or common sense, resulting in a mix of excitement and peril. The Cannonball Loop, a fully enclosed water slide with a complete vertical loop, exemplified the park's reckless innovation.
Despite its reputation for danger, Action Park maintained a devoted following among local residents and thrill-seekers. The park's legacy lives on in documentaries and popular culture, serving as a reminder of a bygone era when safety regulations were less stringent and personal responsibility was emphasized over corporate liability.
Overview of Action Park
Action Park was an amusement park located in Vernon, New Jersey that operated from 1978 to 1996. It gained notoriety for its dangerous rides and lax safety standards during the 1980s and early 1990s.
The park featured both water-based and land-based attractions. Its water park section included numerous slides, pools, and a wave pool. The Alpine Slide, Cannonball Loop, and Tarzan Swing were some of its most infamous rides.
Action Park earned nicknames like "Traction Park" and "Class Action Park" due to frequent injuries and accidents. The park's management faced criticism for inadequate safety measures and employing inexperienced teenage staff.
Despite its dangers, Action Park was popular among thrill-seekers. It attracted over one million visitors annually at its peak. The park closed in 1996 due to mounting lawsuits and financial difficulties.
In recent years, Action Park has experienced a resurgence in pop culture. Books, documentaries, and nostalgic merchandise have kept its memory alive. Former visitors often share stories of their experiences at the park.
Key Facts:
Location: Vernon, New Jersey
Operating Years: 1978-1996
Known For: Dangerous rides, lax safety standards
Popular Attractions: Alpine Slide, Cannonball Loop, Tarzan Swing
Historical Context
Action Park, a controversial amusement park in New Jersey, operated from 1978 to 1996. It gained notoriety for its dangerous rides and lax safety standards, earning nicknames like "Class Action Park" and "Traction Park."
Founding and Development
Gene Mulvihill, a Wall Street investor, founded Action Park in 1978. The park was built on the site of a former ski resort in Vernon, New Jersey. Mulvihill's vision was to create an interactive amusement park where guests could control their own experiences.
Action Park featured three main areas: Alpine Center, Motorworld, and Waterworld. The park's attractions included water slides, go-karts, and a wave pool. Many rides were designed and built in-house, often without proper safety testing or engineering expertise.
Popularity and Nostalgia
Despite its dangers, Action Park attracted millions of visitors during its heyday in the 1980s and early 1990s. The park's popularity stemmed from its unique, hands-on approach to thrill-seeking.
Guests, particularly teenagers, were drawn to the park's reputation for danger and excitement. The lack of strict rules and supervision appealed to a generation seeking independence and adventure.
Today, Action Park evokes strong feelings of nostalgia for many who visited during their youth. Former patrons often share stories of their experiences, blending fond memories with acknowledgment of the park's risks.
The park's legacy lives on through documentaries, books, and social media discussions. It serves as a reminder of a different era in amusement park safety and regulation.
The Allure and Danger
Action Park in New Jersey gained notoriety for its thrilling yet perilous attractions. The park's extreme rides and lax safety measures created a unique but hazardous environment that both attracted and endangered visitors.
Attractions and Rides
Action Park featured several infamous rides that pushed the boundaries of safety. The Alpine Slide, a concrete track riders descended on sleds, caused frequent injuries due to its steep slopes and minimal padding. The Cannonball Loop, a fully enclosed water slide with a 360-degree loop, proved so dangerous it was rarely open. The Tarzan Swing allowed guests to swing over a pool, but many hit the water painfully or collided with others.
Other popular attractions included wave pools with powerful currents, high-speed water slides, and motorized vehicles with minimal safeguards. These rides offered unparalleled excitement but also significant risks.
Safety Controversies
Action Park's safety record was abysmal, earning it nicknames like "Traction Park" and "Class Action Park." Injuries were commonplace, ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones and concussions. Tragically, at least six deaths occurred at the park over its years of operation.
The park's approach to safety was notoriously lax. Ride designs often prioritized thrill over security, and many lacked proper testing. Staff, often underage and undertrained, struggled to enforce rules or respond to emergencies effectively. Alcohol was readily available, further compromising guest safety.
Despite numerous lawsuits and regulatory issues, Action Park continued operating for years. Its dangerous reputation paradoxically became part of its allure, attracting thrill-seekers eager to test their limits.
Cultural Impact
Action Park's legacy extends far beyond its operational years, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture and media. The park's notorious reputation has inspired various forms of artistic expression and documentaries.
Media and Documentaries
The 2020 HBO Max documentary "Class Action Park" brought renewed attention to the infamous New Jersey theme park. Directed by Seth Porges and Chris Charles Scott III, the film explores Action Park's history, dangers, and cultural significance. It features interviews with former employees, guests, and comedians like Chris Gethard, who share their experiences and perspectives on the park's impact.
Johnny Knoxville, known for his daredevil antics, produced and starred in the 2018 comedy film "Action Point," loosely based on Action Park. The movie pays homage to the park's wild nature and unsafe attractions, albeit in a fictionalized setting.
In Popular Culture
Action Park has become a cultural touchstone, particularly for those who grew up in the northeastern United States during the 1980s and 1990s. The park's nickname, "Class Action Park," reflects its reputation for injuries and lawsuits.
Comedians and writers frequently reference Action Park in their work. Chris Gethard, a New Jersey native, has incorporated his experiences at the park into his stand-up routines and writings. The park's legacy has also inspired books, podcasts, and online discussions, cementing its place in the cultural zeitgeist as a symbol of a bygone era of lax safety regulations and extreme thrills.
Legal and Financial Aspects
Action Park faced numerous legal challenges and financial complexities throughout its operation. The park's controversial practices and safety issues led to significant legal and insurance hurdles.
Lawsuits and Legal Issues
Action Park was plagued by lawsuits due to injuries and deaths that occurred on its premises. The park faced legal action from patrons who suffered injuries on various rides and attractions. Some cases involved severe injuries, including paralysis and fatalities.
Gene Mulvihill, the park's owner, employed unique strategies to manage legal risks. He reportedly set up fake insurance companies in the Cayman Islands to avoid traditional liability coverage. This tactic allowed Action Park to continue operating despite mounting legal issues.
Newly unearthed documents have shed light on previously unknown lawsuits and settlements. These records reveal the extent of legal challenges the park faced and the measures taken to address them.
Insurance and Ownership
Action Park's insurance situation was unconventional and controversial. Gene Mulvihill's offshore insurance companies were later found to be illegitimate, leading to legal consequences.
The park's ownership structure was complex. Eugene Mulvihill, also known as Gene, was the primary owner and driving force behind Action Park. His son, Andy Mulvihill, later became involved in the park's operations.
As legal and financial pressures mounted, the park's ownership and insurance arrangements came under scrutiny. This led to changes in management and eventual closure of the original Action Park in 1996.
The park's financial structure and insurance practices became a subject of investigation, revealing the lengths to which management went to keep the park operational despite ongoing legal challenges.
The Park's Closure and Legacy
Action Park's notorious reputation for dangerous rides and accidents ultimately led to its downfall. The park's closure in 1996 marked the end of an era, but its impact continued to reverberate through pop culture and local memory.
Reasons for Shutdown
Safety concerns were the primary factor behind Action Park's closure. The park faced mounting legal troubles and insurance costs due to numerous injuries and fatalities. Six people reportedly died from incidents at the park between 1978 and 1996.
Financial difficulties also played a role. The park's risky reputation made it increasingly difficult to secure insurance coverage. Rising liability costs and lawsuits strained the park's finances.
Regulatory pressure increased as well. State officials began scrutinizing the park more closely, leading to stricter safety requirements and ride closures.
Aftermath and Reopening Plans
After closing in 1996, the park's legacy lived on through documentaries, books, and personal stories. The 2020 HBO documentary "Class Action Park" brought renewed attention to the park's history.
In 2014, Andy Mulvihill, son of the original owner, attempted to revive Action Park under new management. The reopened park emphasized improved safety measures while trying to maintain some of the original thrills.
However, the revival was short-lived. The park closed again in 2016 and was subsequently rebranded as Mountain Creek Waterpark. This newer incarnation aimed to distance itself from Action Park's dangerous reputation.
Despite its closure, Action Park remains a cultural touchstone. It symbolizes a bygone era of less regulated entertainment and continues to fascinate the public with its mix of nostalgia and infamy.
