Unveiling the Wild True Story Behind Class Action Park Documentary
Class Action Park, the HBO documentary released in 2020, shines a spotlight on the notorious Action Park that operated in New Jersey during the 1980s and 1990s. This amusement park gained infamy for its dangerous rides and lax safety standards, earning it nicknames like "Traction Park" among thrill-seeking visitors.
The film explores the wild and often reckless nature of Action Park, where experimental attractions and minimal supervision led to numerous injuries and even deaths. Directed by Seth Porges and Chris Charles Scott III, the documentary features interviews with former employees, guests, and locals who experienced the park firsthand.
Class Action Park delves into the controversial legacy of Gene Mulvihill, the park's founder, and examines how Action Park became a cultural phenomenon despite its hazardous reputation. The documentary provides a nostalgic yet sobering look at an era when consumer safety regulations were less stringent, allowing such a dangerous attraction to operate for nearly two decades.
The History of Action Park
Action Park opened in 1978 in Vernon, New Jersey. It quickly gained a reputation for thrilling rides and lax safety standards. The park's history is marked by popularity, controversy, and eventual closure.
Opening and Early Years
Gene Mulvihill founded Action Park in 1978. The park was built on the site of a ski resort owned by Mulvihill's company. It featured water slides, go-karts, and other attractions designed to push the limits of excitement.
Action Park's early years saw rapid expansion. New rides were added regularly, often with minimal safety testing. The park's motto, "Where you're the action," reflected its hands-off approach to guest safety.
Mulvihill's unconventional business practices included setting up shell companies in the Cayman Islands to avoid regulation.
Popularity and Notoriety in the 1980s
The 1980s marked Action Park's peak popularity. Visitors flocked to experience its extreme rides. The Alpine Slide, Cannonball Loop, and Tidal Wave Pool became infamous attractions.
The park's reputation for danger grew. Injuries were common, ranging from scrapes to more serious accidents. Six fatalities occurred between 1980 and 1987. Despite this, many teens and young adults viewed the risk as part of the appeal.
Action Park's lenient alcohol policies and minimally trained teenage staff contributed to safety issues.
Change of Ownership and Legacy
Action Park closed in 1996 due to mounting lawsuits and debt. It briefly reopened under new ownership but struggled to shake its dangerous reputation.
The park's legacy lives on in popular culture. A 2020 HBO documentary, "Class Action Park," explored its history. Actor Johnny Knoxville starred in a fictionalized movie based on the park.
Today, Action Park is remembered as both a nostalgic icon of 1980s excess and a cautionary tale about amusement park safety.
Class Action Park Documentary
"Class Action Park" is a feature-length documentary that examines the notorious Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey. The film explores the park's dangerous attractions, safety issues, and cultural impact through interviews and archival footage.
Production and Release
Seth Porges and Chris Charles Scott III directed "Class Action Park," which premiered on HBO Max in 2020. The documentary features interviews with former employees, visitors, and comedians like Chris Gethard and Alison Becker. It incorporates rare footage and photographs to recreate the park's atmosphere and highlight its most infamous attractions.
The filmmakers spent years researching and gathering material for the project. They aimed to present a balanced view of Action Park, showcasing both its thrilling aspects and the serious injuries that occurred there.
HBO Max acquired the distribution rights, making it widely accessible to streaming audiences.
Critical Reception
Critics praised "Class Action Park" for its engaging storytelling and nostalgic appeal. Many reviewers appreciated the documentary's ability to balance humor with serious examination of the park's safety issues.
The film received positive reviews for its thorough research and compelling interviews. Critics noted its success in capturing the cultural zeitgeist of 1980s America and the unique place Action Park held in New Jersey lore.
Some reviewers felt the documentary could have delved deeper into the legal and ethical implications of the park's operations.
Cultural Impact
"Class Action Park" reignited public interest in Action Park's legacy. The documentary sparked conversations about safety regulations in amusement parks and the cultural shift in attitudes towards risk-taking.
It helped introduce younger generations to Action Park's notorious reputation. The film's release led to increased social media discussions and nostalgia among those who experienced the park firsthand.
"Class Action Park" also contributed to a broader examination of 1980s culture and parenting styles. It highlighted the stark contrast between the era's lax safety standards and today's more protective approach to child safety.
Rides and Attractions
Action Park gained notoriety for its extreme and often dangerous attractions. The park pushed boundaries with innovative ride designs that frequently prioritized thrills over safety.
Infamous Rides
The Cannonball Loop stood out as one of Action Park's most infamous attractions. This enclosed water slide featured a complete vertical loop, resulting in frequent injuries and closures. The Alpine Slide, a concrete track riders descended on sleds, caused numerous cuts, scrapes, and more serious accidents.
The Tarzan Swing launched visitors over a spring-fed pool, leading to cold water shock and occasional drownings. The park's Wave Pool, nicknamed "The Grave Pool," generated powerful waves that overwhelmed many swimmers.
Surf Hill, a steep slide where riders raced on mats, often resulted in collisions and painful "wedgies" from the abrasive surface.
Innovations and Failures
Action Park pioneered several ride concepts that were ahead of their time. The Kayak Experience attempted to simulate whitewater rapids but closed after an electrocution incident.
The Bailey Ball, a giant hamster ball-like ride, never fully opened due to safety concerns. Motorized bumper boats frequently stalled or caught fire, while the park's go-kart tracks lacked adequate safety barriers.
The park's snorkel equipment allowed guests to breathe underwater, but poor sanitation made this attraction hazardous. Despite numerous failures, Action Park's innovative spirit influenced future waterpark designs worldwide.
Safety and Risks at Action Park
Action Park gained notoriety for its dangerous rides and lax safety standards. The park's approach to thrills often came at the expense of visitor well-being, leading to numerous accidents and legal issues.
Accidents and Lawsuits
Action Park's rides resulted in frequent injuries and several fatalities. The Alpine Slide, a concrete track for sleds, caused many abrasions and broken bones. In 1980, an employee died after his sled derailed on this attraction.
The Wave Pool, nicknamed "The Grave Pool," claimed multiple lives due to its strong currents. In 1982, a 15-year-old drowned in its waters. The Kayak Experience, an artificial whitewater rapids ride, electrocuted a visitor in 1982 when a fallen wire contacted the water.
These incidents led to numerous lawsuits against the park. Action Park faced legal action for negligence, inadequate safety measures, and improper ride maintenance.
The Park's Safety Record
Action Park's safety record was abysmal by industry standards. The park regularly flouted regulations and operated rides without proper testing or permits. Employees, often teenagers, received minimal training and were sometimes intoxicated on the job.
Emergency services were frequently called to the park. Local hospitals reported treating up to 5-10 Action Park injuries daily during peak season. The park eventually bought additional ambulances for the town to handle the volume of emergencies.
Despite repeated citations and fines, Action Park's management made few substantive changes to improve safety. The park's cavalier attitude towards risk earned it nicknames like "Traction Park" and "Accident Park."
Consumer Perception and Risk Tolerance
Despite its dangers, Action Park remained popular throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Many visitors viewed the risks as part of the appeal, embracing the park's "you're in charge" ethos.
Patrons often boasted about their injuries as badges of honor. Scars from the Alpine Slide or bruises from the Cannonball Loop became symbols of bravery among teenagers and young adults.
This risk tolerance reflected the era's more relaxed attitudes towards safety. However, as lawsuits mounted and public awareness of the dangers grew, attendance began to decline. The park's reputation for recklessness ultimately contributed to its closure in 1996.
Cultural Significance and Nostalgia
Action Park has left an indelible mark on American popular culture, evoking strong feelings of nostalgia while also serving as a cautionary tale. Its legacy continues to fascinate and inspire, years after its closure.
Nostalgia for Action Park
For many former visitors, Action Park represents a bygone era of unbridled fun and risk-taking. Teenagers who frequented the park in its heyday often look back with a mix of fondness and disbelief. The park's dangerous reputation has become a source of pride for some, who view their survival as a badge of honor.
Chris Charles, a frequent visitor in the 1980s, recalls: "It was like a rite of passage. We knew it was dangerous, but that was part of the thrill."
The park's mythology has grown over time, with stories of injuries and near-misses becoming almost legendary. This nostalgia, however, is often tempered by the acknowledgment of real dangers and tragedies that occurred.
Action Park in Popular Media
The park's notoriety has made it a subject of fascination in various forms of media. Comedian John Hodgman featured Action Park in his book "Vacationland," describing it as a place where "you could break your neck for a reasonable price."
The Holladay Brothers, a musical duo, created an album inspired by Action Park, capturing its chaotic energy in song. Their work reflects the park's enduring impact on cultural memory.
Television shows and documentaries have also explored Action Park's history. These productions often balance nostalgic reminiscences with critical examinations of the park's safety issues, highlighting its complex legacy in American entertainment history.
Business and Legal Aspects
Action Park's controversial business practices and legal troubles shaped its tumultuous history. The park's ownership and financial dealings were as chaotic as its attractions, while numerous lawsuits and labor violations plagued its operations.
Ownership and Financial History
Gene Mulvihill founded Action Park in 1978 through his company Great American Recreation. Mulvihill's unconventional approach to business included self-insuring the park through a Cayman Islands company he controlled. This practice allowed Action Park to avoid traditional insurance oversight.
The park faced financial difficulties in the 1990s. In 1996, Action Park filed for bankruptcy. Great American Recreation owed millions in taxes and faced mounting legal claims.
Donald Trump briefly considered purchasing the park in 1998. However, the deal fell through due to the property's complex financial situation.
Legal Challenges and Labor Laws
Action Park faced numerous lawsuits throughout its existence. Personal injury claims were common, with at least six fatalities occurring at the park between 1980 and 1987.
The park frequently violated labor laws. It employed many underage workers, often in violation of child labor regulations. These teens often operated dangerous rides without proper training.
In 1986, the New Jersey Department of Labor fined Action Park for multiple violations. These included allowing underage employees to work longer hours than permitted and operate hazardous equipment.
The park's legal troubles extended beyond visitor injuries. In 1984, Mulvihill pleaded guilty to insurance fraud charges related to Action Park's financial practices.
Guests and Staff Experiences
Action Park's unique atmosphere left a lasting impact on both visitors and employees. Many shared wild stories of their time at the park, highlighting its chaotic yet thrilling nature.
Interviews and Anecdotes
Former guests recalled the exhilaration and danger of Action Park's rides. One visitor described the Cannonball Loop as "terrifying but addictive." Another remembered the chaos of the wave pool, saying, "It was like a washing machine full of people."
Injuries were common. A guest recounted, "I got my first stitches at Action Park. It was almost a rite of passage." Despite the risks, many returned repeatedly. "The freedom was unmatched," said a regular visitor. "We knew it was dangerous, but that was part of the fun."
Employee Experiences and Management Style
Staff members painted a picture of a lax work environment. One former lifeguard stated, "We were basically kids watching kids." Employees often tested rides, leading to injuries. A ride operator admitted, "Sometimes we'd increase the speed just to see what would happen."
George Larsson Jr., son of the park's owner, worked various jobs there. He described the management style as "hands-off." Training was minimal, with many employees learning on the job. "Safety wasn't always the top priority," a former manager confessed. "The focus was on pushing boundaries and creating excitement."
