Overview and summary
Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey, is an evergreen topic for curiosity seekers and regional visitors. Known as one of the most daring and loosely governed water and amusement parks of its time, it operated primarily in the 1970s through 1990s. This evergreen profile explains what Action Park was, how it operated, the attractions that defined it, documented safety incidents, its eventual closure and transition, and what you should know if you are researching or planning to visit the former site today.
What was Action Park NJ
Action Park was a water amusement park mixed with extreme go-kart and stunt-based rides located in Vernon, New Jersey. Opened in 1976 and run by businessman Eugene Mulvihill, it marketed itself as a place where guests could design their own adventures and challenge limits. The park became famous for rides that emphasized speed, minimal padding, and a laissez-faire approach to safety oversight. Because of the frequency and severity of on-site injuries, it earned nicknames such as "Traction Park" and "Class Action Park." It closed in the late 1990s and the site was later redeveloped into Mountain Creek Waterpark and a ski area now known as Mountain Creek ski resort.
Notable rides and attractions
Action Park was known for a collection of rides that were unusual in both concept and execution. Many attractions mixed water, steep drops, flimsy barriers, and high speeds, leading to a reputation for frequent mishaps. Key rides and areas included the following.
Kamikaze slide and speed slides
Concrete water slides with little to no matting, steep angles, and shallow pools at the bottom. Riders often reached high speeds, leading to collisions and impact injuries.
Tarzan swing and alpine slide
Swinging ropes and elevated tracks where riders navigated uneven paths with minimal restraints.
Tumble Bug and bumper cars
A circular bumper car arena with momentum-driven collisions and few structural safeguards.
Go-karts and motorcycle jumps
Go-kart tracks with jumps and rough surfaces, sometimes resulting in high-speed crashes.
The Cannonball Loop
A looping water slide shaped like a cannonball that became emblematic of the park's risk-taking design. Few guests completed it without incident.
Injury record and safety controversies
Action Park’s most enduring legacy is its pattern of on-site injuries and minimal safety protocols. Contemporary reports and retrospective coverage documented frequent lacerations, broken bones, and head injuries. The park did not employ consistent staffing ratios, required minimal protective gear, and often allowed guests to ride in wet or overcrowded conditions. Ambulance rides within the park were common enough that local services treated them as routine calls. The combination of extreme designs, inadequate staffing, and permissive rules created an environment where harm was frequent rather than exceptional.
Closure and site transformation
Increased regulatory scrutiny, rising insurance costs, and growing legal exposure led Action Park to close at the end of the 1990s. The site was eventually purchased and rebranded, reopening as Mountain Creek Waterpark with more regulated standards and conventional layouts. The former ski area was also rebranded and now operates as Mountain Creek ski resort. Many of the original concrete structures and steep terrain features remain visible, though newer rides replaced the most hazardous attractions.
Practical information for visitors today
If you are visiting the former Action Park location, you are now at Mountain Creek ski resort and waterpark. Below is a quick reference to set expectations and plan appropriately.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Current name of site | Mountain Creek Waterpark and Mountain Creek ski resort | Operator information and signage |
| Location | Vernon, New Jersey | Public maps and local directories |
| Seasonal operation | Waterpark in summer; ski resort in winter | Published season schedules |
| Safety standards | Modern compliance with New Jersey amusement ride regulations | Regulatory updates and operator policies |
| Historical recognition | Local media coverage, documentaries, and retrospective articles | News archives and feature stories |
How to research Action Park responsibly
When researching Action Park NJ, prioritize reputable sources and first-person accounts that distinguish legend from documented fact. Useful references include local newspaper archives, retrospective features, interviews with longtime residents, and official inspection or incident records when available. Approach sensational anecdotes with critical thinking, corroborating details across multiple independent sources. If you are planning travel to the area, rely on current operator information for hours, pricing, and safety policies rather than historical anecdotes from the park’s unregulated era.
Summary of key points
- Action Park operated in Vernon, New Jersey from 1976 through the late 1990s.
- The park was famous for extreme, minimally supervised rides that led to frequent injuries.
- Notable rides included concrete speed slides, the Cannonball Loop, go-karts, and stunt-oriented attractions.
- Increased regulation and liability concerns led to its closure and redevelopment.
- The site now operates as Mountain Creek Waterpark and ski resort under modern safety standards.
- Visitors today should rely on current operator information and not confuse historical risk-taking with present conditions.
Conclusion
Action Park NJ remains a storied example of amusement experimentation with limited oversight. Understanding its history offers context for how safety standards and public expectations around amusement parks have evolved. Today, the physical site continues as a functioning recreational area with regulated operations. By separating verified details from legend, you can appreciate the park’s place in regional lore while making informed decisions about visiting the area in its current form.