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Action Park

Action Park was a defunct amusement and water park in Vernon Township, New Jersey, United States, operating on the grounds of the Vernon Valley/Great Gorge ski resort.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Action Park was a defunct amusement and water park in Vernon Township, New Jersey, United States, operating on the grounds of the Vernon Valley/Great Gorge ski resort. Opened in 1978 by Great American Recreation, it became known for its experimental rides, divided attraction areas, and widely publicized safety problems. The park operated for 18 years before closing on September 2, 1996.

History

Action Park opened in 1978 under Great American Recreation on the grounds of the Vernon Valley/Great Gorge ski resort. It operated for 18 years before closing permanently in 1996.

Attractions

The park was organized into three attraction zones: Alpine Center, Motorworld, and Waterworld. Its water attractions were especially notable and helped make it an early example of a modern American water park. Waterworld is described as one of the first modern American water parks.

Safety record

Action Park developed a reputation for risky and poorly designed attractions. Later media coverage and documentaries made its safety issues central to its public image. The park became notorious for safety problems and a reputation for dangerous rides.

Legacy

The park has remained culturally notable as an example of 1980s and 1990s amusement-park excess. Its history has been revisited in books and documentaries.

Key facts

  • Action Park opened in 1978 and operated until 1996 as an amusement and water park in New Jersey.
  • It was located at the Vernon Valley/Great Gorge ski resort in Vernon Township.
  • The park was divided into three main attraction areas: Alpine Center, Motorworld, and Waterworld.
  • Waterworld is described as one of the first modern American water parks.
  • Action Park became notorious for safety problems and a reputation for dangerous rides.
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Canadian context

Action Park has no direct Canadian connection, but it is of interest to Canadian readers as a widely discussed North American pop-culture and amusement-park case.

Frequently asked questions

What was Action Park?
Action Park was a defunct amusement and water park in Vernon Township, New Jersey, known for its water attractions and unsafe reputation.
When did Action Park open?
It opened in 1978.
When did Action Park close?
The original park closed on September 2, 1996.
Who owned Action Park?
It was opened by Great American Recreation (GAR).
What areas made up the park?
The park had three main areas: Alpine Center, Motorworld, and Waterworld.
Why is Action Park well known?
It is widely remembered for experimental rides and a controversial safety record that made it notorious in popular culture.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_Park
    Supports: Location, opening and closing dates, ownership, main attraction areas, defunct status
  2. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/the-rise-and-fall-of-action-park-new-jerseys-most-dangerous-water-park
    Supports: Opening date, reputation for danger, founder's philosophy, status as an early modern water park
  3. People — https://people.com/action-park-worlds-most-dangerous-amusement-park-opened-47-years-ago-11742703
    Supports: Operating dates, location, safety reputation, three distinct park areas
  4. Class Action Park Documentary Film — https://classactionpark.com/
    Supports: Public reputation and documentary legacy