Amusement parks are supposed to be fun for the whole family, and a relaxing and safe way to chase some thrills on a nice day. In the 1980s, a northern New Jersey park quickly gained a reputation for being just the opposite. Action Park was a dangerous recreation complex, and it wasn’t long before it earned plenty of unfavorable nicknames.
Just about everyone who grew up in New Jersey heard about Action Park — or Class Action Park or Traction Park, as the locals called it.
Youtube / Defunctland
This wild waterpark and amusement park was built on a ski mountain resort and operated all summer long.
Wikimedia Commons / Joe Shlabotnik
Every ride at Action Park was a bit of a free-for-all. It was certainly a unique park, and the extreme designs and lack of safety precautions made it a notorious place for family fun.
Wikimedia Commons / Joe Shlabotnik
Some of the wildest rides caused injuries regularly. The cement Alpine Slide would leave riders bruised and bloodied as they hurled around a course at top speed … often falling off of their sleds.
Youtube / Defunctland
The Tarzan Swing was also a dangerous attraction, which allowed park visitors to drop into a freezing-cold pool of water.
Wikimedia Commons / Joe Shlabotnik The Tarzan Swing was responsible for a death in 1985 when a man had a heart attack. The 50-degree water triggered the event.
The Tide Pool was the most dangerous ride at Action Park — it was responsible for at least three drowning deaths.
Wikimedia Commons / Joe Shlabotnik The pool was particularly deep and patrons often got caught over their heads with no easy way out due to the relentless waves.
Other rides that caused fatalities include the kayak experience when a flipped paddler was electrocuted by exposed wires underground,
Facebook / Action Park To learn more and to see some of Action Park’s most infamous attractions, watch the short documentary below:
Action Park has long since been closed down — much to the delight of amusement-goers in New Jersey, who now head to safer, more regulated parks. Do you have any stories about summer days spent at Action Park? We’d love to hear from you! Let’s talk about it in the comments.
Youtube / Defunctland
Wikimedia Commons / Joe Shlabotnik
The Tarzan Swing was responsible for a death in 1985 when a man had a heart attack. The 50-degree water triggered the event.
The pool was particularly deep and patrons often got caught over their heads with no easy way out due to the relentless waves.
Facebook / Action Park
To learn more and to see some of Action Park’s most infamous attractions, watch the short documentary below:
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Address: Action park, 196 Rt 94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
