Action Park

01The Birth of Action Park: A Vision of Danger and Thrill

In the heart of Vernon, New Jersey, nestled among the verdant hills and serene lakes, there once existed an amusement park that was anything but serene. Action Park, as it was aptly named, was the brainchild of Gene Mulvihill, a man whose vision for an amusement park was far from the norm. While most amusement parks prioritized safety above all else, Mulvihill's vision was different. He wanted to create a park where danger was not just a possibility, but a selling point. Mulvihill's vision for Action Park was a stark contrast to the safety-first approach of other amusement parks. He believed that the thrill of danger would draw visitors like moths to a flame. And he was right. But to bring this vision to life, Mulvihill had to take some unconventional steps. He designed and built rides that intentionally pushed the boundaries of safety. The Cannonball Loop, a water slide with a complete loop, was one such ride. It was a ride that defied the laws of physics and common sense, but it was also a ride that epitomized the spirit of Action Park. When Action Park opened its doors in the late 1970s, the reactions were mixed. Some were thrilled by the park's daring rides, while others were horrified. But regardless of the controversy, one thing was clear: Action Park was unlike any other amusement park. The park's dangerous rides generated both excitement and controversy. But rather than deter visitors, the danger seemed to draw them in. The thrill of danger was not a drawback for Action Park; it was a selling point. This radical idea played a significant role in the park's popularity. For many visitors, the thrill of danger was a key part of the Action Park experience. In the years that followed, Action Park continued to push the boundaries of the amusement park industry. Its unconventional approach to amusement park design and its unabashed embrace of danger set it apart from its competitors. And while the park eventually closed its doors in 1996, its legacy lives on. In retrospect, Action Park was a testament to the allure of danger. It was a place where the thrill of the ride was not just about the speed or the height, but about the very real possibility of danger. And while this approach may not have been the safest, it was undeniably successful. Action Park was, in many ways, a product of its time. But it was also a product of a vision - a vision of danger, thrill, and the allure of the unknown.