2 Action Park Attractions Make A Comeback At Mountain Creek Waterpark

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Two beloved rides are returning to the Mountain Creek Waterpark, once known as the infamous Action Park, this summer.

Mountain Creek Waterpark, located in Vernon, has upgraded two fan-favorite attractions from the establishment’s “wild west” days, while it was known as Action Park — Cannonball Falls and The Tarzan Swings.

Cannonball Falls consists of two closed waterslides that result in participants shooting out into a refreshing pool of water. The newly designed ride will have a lower drop into the water, a new “Rocks N’ Roots” theme, and new slide shapes.

The Tarzan Swings, aptly named, involves parkgoers swinging from a rope and landing into a deep lagoon, preferably doing some cool mid-air tricks upon release. The freshly designed attraction will have an additional third rope swing built for specific height requirements and a new viewing platform.

The two attractions date back to the early 1900s, when local youngsters discovered two natural swimming holes on Vernon Peak fed by the waters of “mountain creek,” according to Mount Creek Waterpark.

“Kids were coming from miles around to challenge their nerves against the infamous swings,” a statement read. “Not long after that, a fallen tree was hollowed out into a slide and suspended over the other end of the pool. Daring riders would enter the dark slide and be shot out the other end like a cannonball into the refreshing pool below.”

Since those days, the site became officially known as Action Park, and unofficially known as “Class Action Park,” “Traction Park,” and “Accident Park,” due to its dangerous reputation.

Action Park was at its most popular during the 1980s, when families would flock every summer to enjoy the rides. Parkgoers would walk out with smiles, laughs, bruises, and broken bones.

Poorly built rides and sketchy management are often blamed for the park’s dangerous and painful reputation. At least six people are thought to have died due to the park’s unsafe structure, according to the HBO documentary “Class Action Park.”

Action Park ultimately closed in 1996, and the site re-opened in 2014 under the name “Mountain Creek Waterpark.” Since then, the park has been forward about its updated safety measures.

The newly designed Cannonball Falls and Tarzan Rope Swings are expected to be available to thrill-seekers this July, a few days after the park’s 2025 summer season kicks off on June 20.

Mountain Creek Waterpark released this video showcasing the return of the locally beloved attractions.