Class Action Park Brings America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park to Life
Action Park, once notorious for its dangerous attractions and lax safety standards, has undergone a significant transformation. The New Jersey water park that inspired the documentary "Class Action Park" now operates under new ownership and management.
Mountain Creek Waterpark, as it is currently known, maintains a superior safety record with no reported deaths since its renovation. The park retains some of its classic attractions, albeit in tamer versions. Visitors can still experience thrills at the Hightide Wavepool and the 18-foot Bombs Away slide, but with enhanced safety measures in place.
Joe Hession, a former employee of the original Action Park, now owns and operates the facility. This connection to the park's history, combined with modern safety standards, creates a unique blend of nostalgia and responsible entertainment. While the park may have lost some of its infamous reputation, it continues to provide excitement for thrill-seekers in a more controlled environment.
History of Action Park
Action Park was a legendary amusement park in Vernon Township, New Jersey that operated from 1978 to 1996. It gained notoriety for its extreme rides and lax safety standards.
The Founding and Vision of Gene Mulvihill
Gene Mulvihill founded Action Park in 1978. His vision was to create an amusement park where visitors could control their own experiences. Mulvihill believed in pushing boundaries and offering thrills that other parks wouldn't dare attempt.
The park featured innovative attractions like the Alpine Slide and the Cannonball Loop. These rides were designed to be more intense than typical amusement park fare. Mulvihill's approach prioritized excitement over conventional safety measures.
Action Park quickly became known for its "you control the action" philosophy. This appealed to thrill-seekers but also led to numerous accidents and injuries.
Action Park's Popularity in the '80s
The 1980s marked Action Park's heyday. It attracted over a million visitors annually. The park's reputation for danger became part of its allure. Teenagers and young adults flocked to experience its extreme rides.
Popular attractions included the Tidal Wave Pool, Tarzan Swing, and Kayak Experience. These rides often resulted in minor injuries, earning the park nicknames like "Traction Park" and "Class Action Park."
Despite its risks, many visitors had fond memories of Action Park. It represented a unique era of less regulation and greater personal responsibility in recreation.
Transitions Through the '90s and Closure
In the 1990s, Action Park faced mounting legal and financial troubles. Lawsuits from injured guests and families of fatalities piled up. The park's insurance costs skyrocketed.
Great American Recreation, the park's parent company, filed for bankruptcy in 1995. Action Park closed its doors in 1996. The closure marked the end of an era for extreme amusement parks.
After its shutdown, the property changed hands several times. It reopened under new management as Mountain Creek Waterpark in 1998. The new owners implemented stricter safety measures and tamer attractions.
Attractions and Innovations
Action Park gained notoriety for its unique and often dangerous attractions. The park pushed the boundaries of amusement ride design, creating experiences that were both thrilling and controversial.
Innovative Rides and Attractions
Action Park featured several groundbreaking attractions that set it apart from other amusement parks. The Alpine Slide allowed riders to control their own speed as they descended a concrete track on sleds. This ride became infamous for causing numerous injuries due to its lack of safety features.
The Wave Pool, one of the first of its kind, generated massive waves that could reach up to three feet high. While exciting, it also posed risks to inexperienced swimmers and was the site of several drownings.
Other notable attractions included the Tarzan Swing, which launched guests into a deep pool, and the Kayak Experience, a whitewater rafting simulation that proved challenging for many visitors.
The Notorious Cannonball Loop
The Cannonball Loop stood out as Action Park's most infamous attraction. This enclosed water slide featured a complete vertical loop, a design that defied conventional safety standards.
The ride was so dangerous that it was rarely open to the public. Test dummies emerged dismembered, and the few human riders who attempted it often suffered injuries. The loop's tight turn and high speeds made it nearly impossible to complete safely.
Despite its brief operational period, the Cannonball Loop became a symbol of Action Park's extreme approach to entertainment. It epitomized the park's willingness to prioritize thrills over safety.
Safety and Infamy
Action Park gained notoriety for its dangerous rides and lax safety standards. The park's reputation led to numerous injuries and several fatalities during its operation.
Dangerous Rides and Lax Safety Rules
Action Park's rides pushed the boundaries of safety and thrill-seeking. The Alpine Slide, made of concrete and fiberglass, caused frequent injuries due to its lack of protection. Riders often suffered severe friction burns and cuts.
The Cannonball Loop, an enclosed water slide with a complete vertical loop, was so dangerous it was rarely open. Test dummies reportedly emerged dismembered.
Safety rules were loosely enforced. Alcohol was readily available, and intoxicated patrons often attempted hazardous rides. Lifeguards and ride operators were often undertrained teenagers.
The park's design prioritized excitement over safety. Many attractions lacked basic safety features like padding or height restrictions. This approach led to a high rate of accidents and injuries.
Injuries and Fatal Accidents
Action Park's casualty rate was alarmingly high. Injuries ranged from minor scrapes to severe lacerations, broken bones, and concussions. The park averaged 5-10 injuries per day during peak season.
Between 1978 and 1996, six deaths occurred at Action Park. Two fatalities happened within a single week in 1982. Causes included electrocution in the Kayak Experience, drowning in the Tidal Wave Pool, and head trauma on the Alpine Slide.
The park's dangerous reputation earned it nicknames like "Traction Park" and "Class Action Park." Despite numerous lawsuits and insurance claims, the park continued to operate until 1996.
Today, the revamped Mountain Creek Waterpark operates on the same site with a much-improved safety record and no reported deaths.
Legal and Financial Issues
Action Park faced numerous legal challenges and financial hurdles throughout its existence. These issues stemmed from safety concerns, injuries, and ownership changes that plagued the park.
Lawsuits and Insurance Challenges
Action Park's reputation for dangerous rides led to a flood of lawsuits. Injuries ranging from broken bones to near-drownings resulted in legal action against the park. Gene Mulvihill, the owner, struggled to secure insurance coverage due to the high number of claims.
To combat this, Mulvihill reportedly created his own insurance company. This move allowed Action Park to continue operating despite its hazardous reputation. However, it also raised questions about the legitimacy of the park's insurance practices.
The park's legal troubles extended beyond guest injuries. It faced scrutiny for alleged violations of safety regulations and labor laws.
Financial Struggles and Ownership Changes
Action Park's financial woes intensified in the 1990s. The mounting legal costs and declining attendance strained the park's resources. In 1996, Action Park filed for bankruptcy, leading to its closure.
George Larsson Sr., a former executive, acquired the park in 1998. He rebranded it as Mountain Creek Waterpark, implementing stricter safety measures. This change marked a shift away from the park's infamous "anything goes" atmosphere.
Despite the rebranding efforts, the park continued to face financial challenges. It changed ownership multiple times in the following years. These transitions reflected the ongoing struggle to balance profitability with safety concerns.
The Cultural Impact of Action Park
Action Park left an indelible mark on American pop culture, inspiring media portrayals and nostalgic reminiscences. Its influence continues to resonate in modern entertainment and attractions.
Media Portrayals and Nostalgia
The HBO documentary "Class Action Park" brought renewed attention to the infamous New Jersey amusement park. Released in 2020, the film features comedian Chris Gethard and actress Alison Becker sharing their memories of the park.
The documentary sparked a wave of nostalgia among former visitors. Many fondly recalled their daring experiences, despite the park's dangerous reputation.
Action Park's legacy lives on through various media depictions. Books, articles, and online discussions continue to explore its unique place in American cultural history.
Modern Interpretations and Influences
Action Park's "anything goes" approach has influenced contemporary attractions and entertainment. Some modern water parks incorporate elements of controlled risk to appeal to thrill-seekers.
The park's story has become a cautionary tale in amusement park safety discussions. Its history is often cited in debates about regulation and risk management in entertainment venues.
Action Park's cultural impact extends to humor and satire. References to the park appear in comedy shows and social media, often as a symbol of 1980s excess and lax safety standards.
Legacy and Rebranding
Action Park's legacy lives on through its transformation and the public's continued fascination. The park's rebranding efforts aim to balance nostalgia with modern safety standards.
Transformation into Mountain Creek Waterpark
Mountain Creek Waterpark now operates on the former Action Park site. Joe Hession, a previous Action Park employee, owns and manages the revamped attraction. The park features reimagined versions of classic rides, including the Hightide Wavepool and an 18-foot Bombs Away slide.
Safety has become a top priority. No deaths have been reported since the rebranding, marking a significant improvement from Action Park's troubled past.
Differing Perspectives and Continued Interest
The park's legacy evokes mixed reactions. For some, it represents a bygone era of unrestrained fun. Others view it as a cautionary tale of negligence.
The HBO Max documentary "Class Action Park" reignited public interest in the park's history. It explores the myths and realities surrounding the infamous attraction.
Mountain Creek Waterpark caters to different family expectations. It balances thrills with stringent safety measures, appealing to those seeking excitement without the extreme risks of its predecessor.
In Popular Media
Action Park's notoriety has sparked numerous portrayals in various media formats. From documentaries to news articles, the park's legacy continues to captivate audiences.
Documentary and Feature Films
HBO Max released "Class Action Park" in 2020, a documentary chronicling the controversial history of Action Park. The film features interviews with former employees and guests, providing firsthand accounts of the park's dangerous attractions.
A trailer for the documentary garnered significant attention online, reigniting interest in the infamous amusement park. The film's success on streaming platforms has introduced a new generation to Action Park's wild reputation.
Another documentary, "The Most Insane Amusement Park Ever," aired on television, further exploring the park's tumultuous past.
Action Park in News and Articles
The New York Times published several articles about Action Park, detailing its hazardous rides and lax safety standards. These pieces contributed to public awareness of the park's risks.
TV Guide featured a retrospective on Action Park, highlighting its cultural impact and enduring fascination. The article examined how the park became a symbol of 1980s excess and recklessness.
Online publications continue to produce content about Action Park, often focusing on personal stories from former visitors. These articles keep the park's memory alive, sparking discussions about safety regulations and liability in the amusement industry.
Visitor Experience
Action Park left an indelible mark on American amusement culture. Guests experienced thrills and dangers unlike any other theme park, creating lasting memories and stories.
Personal Stories and Memories from Guests
Former visitors often recount their Action Park experiences with a mix of nostalgia and disbelief. Many recall the adrenaline rush of conquering daring rides like the infamous Cannonball Loop. Families bonded over shared adventures and close calls. Some guests proudly display scars as badges of honor from their visits.
Summers at Action Park became a rite of passage for many teenagers in the region. The park's lack of strict rules appealed to thrill-seekers looking to push boundaries. Stories of injuries were common, with guests comparing bandages and bruises at the end of their visits.
Impact of Action Park on American Amusement Culture
Action Park's legacy influenced the broader amusement industry in America. Its extreme attractions set a new standard for thrill rides, pushing other parks to innovate. The park's notorious reputation sparked debates about safety regulations in the theme park industry.
Action Park's "no rules" approach contrasted sharply with modern safety standards. This led to increased scrutiny and improved safety measures across the industry. The park's story continues to fascinate the public, inspiring documentaries and books.
Its impact on popular culture endures, with references in TV shows and movies. Action Park remains a symbol of a bygone era in American entertainment, representing both the appeal and dangers of unfettered thrills.
