Dangerous Thrills Unveiled in Class Action Park Documentary
Class Action Park in New Jersey was no ordinary amusement park. Operating from 1978 to 1996, it gained notoriety for its dangerous rides and lax safety standards. The park earned nicknames like "Traction Park" due to the high number of injuries sustained by visitors.
Located in Vernon Township, Action Park became legendary for its experimental attractions and rowdy atmosphere. Teenage employees often manned the rides, while equally youthful patrons tested their limits on poorly designed water slides and go-kart tracks. The park's reputation for danger paradoxically attracted thrill-seekers looking to push boundaries.
The story of Action Park has been immortalized in media, including a documentary titled "Class Action Park." This film explores the park's chaotic history, showcasing both nostalgic memories and sobering realities of what many considered the world's most dangerous amusement park. Despite its closure, Action Park's legacy continues to fascinate audiences, serving as a cautionary tale about the fine line between excitement and recklessness in entertainment.
History of Action Park
Action Park opened in 1978 in Vernon, New Jersey, becoming one of America's first modern water parks. It gained notoriety for its unconventional and often dangerous attractions.
Founding by Gene Mulvihill
Gene Mulvihill, an entrepreneur and visionary, established Action Park on the grounds of the Vernon Valley/Great Gorge ski resort. He aimed to create a unique amusement park where visitors could control their own thrills. Mulvihill's approach emphasized excitement over safety, leading to the development of innovative but risky rides.
The park's initial attractions included water slides, go-karts, and a wave pool. Mulvihill's hands-off management style allowed for rapid expansion and experimentation with ride designs.
Popularity in the 80s and 90s
Action Park's popularity soared during the 1980s and early 1990s. It attracted thrill-seekers from across the region, particularly teenagers and young adults. The park's reputation for danger became part of its appeal, earning it nicknames like "Traction Park" and "Class Action Park."
Infamous rides included the Cannonball Loop, a fully enclosed water slide with a vertical loop, and the Alpine Slide, a concrete track for wheeled sleds. Despite frequent injuries and occasional fatalities, attendance remained high.
The park's lax rules on alcohol consumption contributed to its wild atmosphere.
Closure and Rebranding
Financial troubles and mounting lawsuits led to Action Park's closure in 1996. Insurance costs had skyrocketed due to the high number of injury claims. The park's assets were sold off, marking the end of an era.
In 1998, the property reopened as Mountain Creek Waterpark under new ownership. The rebranded park focused on family-friendly attractions and improved safety measures. While some original rides remained, many were removed or redesigned.
Mountain Creek Waterpark continues to operate today, offering a more conventional water park experience. The legacy of Action Park lives on in pop culture and the memories of those who experienced its unique blend of thrills and hazards.
Rides and Attractions
Action Park's notorious reputation stemmed from its array of daring and unconventional attractions. The park's rides pushed the boundaries of safety and thrills, attracting adrenaline-seekers from across the region.
Cannonball Loop
The Cannonball Loop stood as Action Park's most infamous attraction. This fully enclosed water slide featured a complete vertical loop, defying conventional design principles. Riders plummeted down a steep slope before entering the loop at high speeds. The ride's extreme nature led to numerous injuries and frequent closures for modifications. Despite its notoriety, the Cannonball Loop remained a powerful draw for thrill-seekers eager to test their limits.
Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide offered visitors a unique downhill experience. Riders sat on small sleds with a hand brake, careening down a concrete and fiberglass track. The attraction's design allowed guests to control their speed, leading to both exhilarating descents and frequent accidents. Concrete burns were common among riders who fell off their sleds. The Alpine Slide's popularity persisted despite its risks, becoming a signature feature of Action Park.
Wave Pool
Action Park's Wave Pool, dubbed "The Grave Pool" by some, was deceptively dangerous. The pool generated large waves at regular intervals, creating challenging conditions for swimmers. Its depth and powerful currents often caught visitors off guard. Lifeguards performed numerous rescues daily, highlighting the attraction's hazards. Despite the risks, the Wave Pool remained a popular spot for guests seeking to cool off and experience simulated ocean conditions.
Tarzan Swing
The Tarzan Swing offered a simple yet thrilling experience. Guests swung from a platform over a cold, spring-fed pool. The attraction's challenge lay in timing the release to avoid painful belly flops or backslaps on the water's surface. The frigid water often shocked riders, leading to gasps and temporary disorientation. While less mechanically complex than other rides, the Tarzan Swing exemplified Action Park's ethos of guest-controlled thrills and potential for mishaps.
Safety and Controversy
Action Park gained notoriety for its lax safety standards and numerous accidents. The park's dangerous reputation led to legal troubles and public scrutiny over its operations.
Incidents and Injuries
Action Park's rides were often poorly designed and maintained, leading to frequent injuries. The Alpine Slide, a concrete track ridden with wheeled sleds, caused abrasions so common they were dubbed "Alpine Scrape." The wave pool, nicknamed "The Grave Pool," overwhelmed many swimmers with its strong currents.
Inadequate safety measures and undertrained staff contributed to the problem. Lifeguards were often teenagers, ill-equipped to handle emergencies. Some rides lacked basic safety features, allowing riders to collide or be ejected.
The park's "do-it-yourself" ethos encouraged risky behavior. Visitors often ignored rules, leading to accidents on attractions like the Tarzan Swing and Cannonball Loop.
Deaths at the Park
Between 1980 and 1987, Action Park saw at least six fatalities. Three people drowned in the wave pool. One death occurred on the Alpine Slide when a sled derailed, causing a fatal head injury.
An electrocution in the Kayak Experience ride claimed another life. The park's Tidal Wave Pool proved particularly dangerous, with multiple drownings despite the presence of lifeguards.
These deaths highlighted the park's inadequate safety measures and emergency response capabilities. Despite the fatalities, the park continued to operate with minimal changes to its practices.
Legal Actions and Responses
Action Park faced numerous lawsuits from injured guests and families of those who died. The park's insurance premiums skyrocketed due to the high number of claims.
To combat legal issues, the park's owner, Gene Mulvihill, allegedly created fake insurance companies. This practice eventually led to fraud charges and financial penalties.
Local authorities attempted to improve safety through inspections and fines. However, the park often reopened closed rides without addressing all safety concerns.
The mounting legal and financial pressures, combined with changing public attitudes towards safety, ultimately contributed to Action Park's closure in 1996. Its legacy as "Class Action Park" persists, serving as a cautionary tale in amusement park safety.
Cultural Impact
Action Park left an indelible mark on popular culture, sparking nostalgia, inspiring media portrayals, and influencing the amusement industry. Its legacy continues to captivate audiences and shape discussions about safety and thrill-seeking.
Action Park in Media
The notorious reputation of Action Park has been immortalized in various media formats. HBO Max released the documentary "Class Action Park" in 2020, exploring the park's history and impact. Narrated by John Hodgman, the film features interviews with former employees and visitors, including comedian Chris Gethard. The documentary received positive reviews, holding an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Several books have chronicled the park's story. "Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park" by Andy Mulvihill offers an insider's perspective. Television shows have also referenced Action Park, with actress Alison Becker sharing her experiences on late-night talk shows.
Public Perception and Nostalgia
Action Park evokes a complex mix of emotions among those who experienced it. Many former visitors look back on their time at the park with a sense of nostalgia, reminiscing about the thrills and freedom it offered. Social media groups and online forums dedicated to Action Park memories have emerged, allowing people to share stories and photographs.
The park's nickname, "Class Action Park," reflects its dangerous reputation. Despite the risks, some view it as a symbol of a less restrictive era. This nostalgia is often tinged with dark humor, acknowledging the park's hazards while celebrating its unique place in New Jersey history.
Influence on Amusement Industry
Action Park's legacy has had a lasting impact on the amusement industry. Its closure in 1996 highlighted the need for stricter safety regulations and oversight in theme parks. Many of the practices common at Action Park would be unthinkable in modern amusement facilities.
The park's innovative ride designs, though often dangerous, inspired future attractions. Some of Action Park's concepts have been refined and made safer in contemporary water parks. The park's history serves as a cautionary tale for the industry, emphasizing the importance of balancing thrills with guest safety.
Action Park's story continues to spark discussions about liability, risk-taking, and the changing nature of entertainment. Its influence extends beyond the amusement industry, touching on broader cultural shifts in attitudes toward safety and personal responsibility.
Legacy of Action Park
Action Park left an indelible mark on American amusement park history. Its unconventional rides and lax safety standards created a mythical status that continues to captivate the public imagination decades after its closure.
Modern Interpretations
The park's legacy lives on through documentaries, books, and online discussions. "Class Action Park," a 2020 documentary, reignited interest in the park's controversial history. It explored the park's dangerous attractions and the impact on visitors and employees.
Social media platforms have become hubs for sharing Action Park memories and memorabilia. Former guests exchange stories of their experiences, keeping the park's legend alive.
The park's reputation has inspired references in popular culture, including TV shows and music. These depictions often emphasize the park's chaotic and risky nature.
Former Employees and Guests
Many who worked or visited Action Park view their experiences with a mix of nostalgia and disbelief. Former employees recall the lack of training and safety protocols, which now seem unthinkable.
Some guests remember the park fondly, citing the freedom and excitement it offered. Others reflect on their injuries or close calls with a sense of amazement at having survived.
Eugene Mulvihill, the park's founder, remains a controversial figure. His vision for an extreme park with minimal rules shaped Action Park's identity and legacy.
Comparison to Contemporary Parks
Action Park's approach stands in stark contrast to modern amusement parks. Today's parks prioritize safety, with strict regulations and advanced technology to minimize risks.
The liability concerns that plagued Action Park have led to industry-wide changes. Insurance requirements and government oversight have significantly increased since the park's heyday.
While some miss the thrill of Action Park's danger, most recognize the necessity of current safety standards. The park serves as a cautionary tale for the amusement industry, highlighting the importance of guest protection.
Other Aspects of Interest
Action Park's legacy extends beyond its thrilling rides and safety concerns. The park's environmental impact, economic significance for New Jersey, and the future of its properties have all shaped its complex history.
Environmental Considerations
Action Park's development and operation raised environmental issues. The park's construction altered the local landscape, impacting natural habitats. Water usage for rides and pools strained local resources. Chemical treatments for water attractions affected water quality in surrounding areas.
Waste management posed challenges, especially during peak seasons. The park's expansion led to increased traffic and air pollution in the region. Noise from rides and visitors disrupted local wildlife.
After closure, environmental remediation became necessary. Soil testing revealed contamination in some areas. Cleanup efforts included removing debris and treating affected soil and water.
Economic Impact in New Jersey
Action Park significantly boosted New Jersey's tourism sector. The park attracted visitors from neighboring states, increasing local hotel and restaurant revenue. It created numerous jobs, particularly for young people in the area.
Tax revenue from the park contributed to local and state coffers. The influx of visitors spurred development of nearby businesses. Souvenir shops, eateries, and other attractions sprang up to cater to park-goers.
However, legal issues and accidents led to increased insurance costs. Medical facilities in the area saw a rise in emergency visits during the park's operation. The park's closure impacted local employment and tourism-related businesses.
Future of Action Park-Related Properties
The original Action Park site has undergone transformation. Mountain Creek Waterpark now occupies part of the former grounds, offering a safer experience. Some original structures remain, repurposed for new attractions.
Developers have shown interest in the remaining unused portions of the property. Proposals include eco-friendly resorts and adventure sports facilities. Local authorities are cautious about new developments, prioritizing safety and environmental concerns.
The site's history continues to attract curiosity. Guided tours of the former park location have been considered. Preservation of certain elements as historical landmarks has been discussed, balancing nostalgia with safety considerations.
