The Most Dangerous Amusement Park in the United States

Amusement parks have been entertaining people of all ages for decades in the United States. From heart-pumping rides to tasty eats and exciting shows, modern-day amusement parks have it all. In the 21st century, most roller coasters and water slides are perfectly safe. However, the most dangerous amusement park in the United States was so deadly that it had to close its doors forever.

A Brief History of Amusement Parks

Modern-day amusement parks evolved from humble roots and age-old traditions. In the mid-16th century, “Pleasure Gardens” began to pop up throughout Europe. According to the National Amusement Park Historical Association, these were the first permanent areas set aside for outdoor attractions and entertainment, including fountains, bowling, games, and even primitive rides.

In the 17th century, the ancestors of modern-day rollercoasters emerged when folks in Russia began constructing large ice slides to glide down in small wooden sleds with iron runners. By 1799 the first functioning carousel emerged in the United States in Salem, Massachusetts.

In the 19th century, New York’s Coney Island blossomed into a place of amusement. It also birthed the “first true roller coaster in America,” known as the Switchback Gravity Pleasure Railway. America’s first vertical looping rollercoaster was constructed in Toledo in 1889.

By 1910, more than 2,000 amusement parks operated throughout the US. The 20th century also opened the doors to a new kind of outdoor amusement — water parks. Many historians point to the 1906 International Exhibition in New Zealand as the birthplace of the first constructed water slide.

In the 1950s and 60s, the idea of aquatic amusement parks began to take hold in the United States, writes Loopagoon. Today there are well over 1,000 water parks in the country, but many that came about in the 60s, 70s, and 80s are no longer in service — and for good reason.

Action Park Was the Most Dangerous Amusement Park in the United States

The most dangerous amusement park in the United States was Action Park. Located in Vernon, New Jersey, Action Park opened its doors on May 26, 1978. The park mainly featured water-based attractions with rides such as the Cannonball Loop, Tarzan Swing, and Aqua Scoot.

Not long after the park opened its doors, tragic accident after tragic accident began to occur, earning Action Park nicknames such as “Traction Park”, “Accident Park”, and “Class Action Park.”

At least six deaths occurred as a result of accidents at Action Park. Countless other injuries and near drownings were also reported. Thankfully, Action Park eventually closed its doors. Let’s take a look at some of the most dangerous rides and attractions the park once had to offer.

Tidal Wave Pool

Action Park’s Tidal Wave Pool was a major culprit in accidental deaths and near drownings. According to Weird New Jersey, the huge freshwater pool featured large fans that created waves as high as 40 inches every 20 minutes, with a 10-minute break in between.

A number of issues surrounded the park’s tidal wave pool. It wasn’t overtly clear that the wave pool increased in depth. Many of Action Park’s visitors were not skilled swimmers and some ended up sinking to the bottom.

Even those that could swim found themselves overwhelmed by the large, freshwater waves — which aren’t nearly as buoyant as saltwater from the ocean. Former employees reported that lifeguards would save as many as 30 people in a day. Despite the 12 Red Cross-certified lifeguards stationed at the pool at all times, three guests drowned in the Tidal Pool, eventually earning it the nickname the Grave Pool.

Alpine Slide

The Alpine Slide was composed of a concrete track that guests rode down on a sled equipped with a hand brake to control their speed. Guests who lost control of their sled could find themselves crashing through the barriers onto the hillside.

Plenty of visitors reported scraping some skin off on the ride, but worse injuries like fractures and head injuries also occurred. Tragically, an Action Park employee also suffered a fatal head injury due to being thrown from the ride.

Tarzan Swing

Action Park’s Tarzan Swing involved guests swinging over and plunging into an icy cold body of water. In fact, the water was so cold that it reportedly brought on a heart attack in one guest who jumped into the water in 1984. This was one of the six deaths to occur at the park.

The Kayak Experience

Action Park’s Kayak Experience probably doesn’t sound like the park’s most dangerous attraction, but the ride caused one death in 1982. The Kayak Experience allowed riders to travel down 1,000 feet of rapids, simulated by underwater fans, according to Decider.

Unfortunately, flipping out of the kayaks was a common experience. That’s exactly what happened to Jeffrey Nathan. While in the water and trying to get back into his kayak, Nathan was electrocuted when one of the underwater fans short-circuited.

As a result, Nathan went into cardiac arrest and died shortly after. Two of Nathan’s family members were also electrocuted, though they survived. The Kayak Experience permanently closed after the incident, but Action Park denied responsibility for the death.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © James Marvin Phelps/Shutterstock.com