Criminal Podcast Episode Summary: "Action Park"

Criminal, hosted by Phoebe Judge and produced by the Vox Media Podcast Network, delves into the intriguing and often perilous history of Action Park, a once-popular amusement park in Vernon, New Jersey. Released on May 23, 2025, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the park's rise, its notorious reputation for dangerous rides, and the complex legacy of its founder, Gene Mulvihill.

Introduction to Action Park

Phoebe Judge opens the episode with a brief mention of Action Park, setting the stage for a deep dive into its infamous past. The park, known for its thrilling yet hazardous attractions, became a rite of passage for many in Northern New Jersey during the late 20th century.

Personal Recollections: Chris Gethard's Experience

Actor and comedian Chris Gethard shares his personal experiences and the broader community's perception of Action Park.

• Early Exposure and Community Legends:
  "Anyone who went to Action Park understood you could get really messed up going there. Not only did we know that it was a huge part of the appeal, it was part of why you wanted to go."
  (00:57)

  Gethard recounts how his introduction to the park came through church-organized trips, highlighting the severe injuries altar boys often sustained. He emphasizes the societal pressure and fear of judgment that surrounded the decision to visit the park.
  "If you grew up in northern New Jersey in the 80s, if it got brought up, you're too scared to go to Action Park. You're kind of soft and it could be used against you."
  (02:04)

• First Impressions and Ride Skepticism:
  Reflecting on his childhood visit, Gethard describes the initial sight of the Cannonball Loop, a particularly dangerous ride.
  "I remember seeing it and thinking to myself, oh, yeah, no, there's no way that would work. You can't, you can't do that."
  (03:16)

  He details urban legends surrounding the ride, including tales of test dummies losing heads and riders suffering severe injuries, which were ominously confirmed upon entering the park.

• Injuries and Lack of Safety Measures:
  Gethard narrates his own traumatic experience on the Tarzan Swing, where inadequate safety measures and hostile crowds exacerbated his fear and injury.
  "There was throngs of people chanting the word pussy at them... 'you ate shit, you little bitch.'"
  (17:34)
  He underscores the absence of proper assistance, noting,
  "There was no help. The vibe was that you were on your own, do what you want."
  (18:17)

Gene Mulvihill: The Visionary Behind Action Park

Seth Porges provides an in-depth look at Gene Mulvihill, the enigmatic founder of Action Park.

• Background and Entrepreneurial Spirit:
  Before transforming the land into Action Park, Mulvihill owned ski resorts and was involved in penny stock fraud with his company, Mayflower Securities. His conviction led to the suspension of his company in 1974, the same year he acquired the ski resorts.

• Creation of Action Park:
  Seeking to maximize the use of his properties beyond the short skiing season, Mulvihill innovated by building unconventional rides like the Alpine Slide, which opened in September 1976.
  "Gene Mulvihill said, it's outrageously fantastic."
  (06:43)

  By 1978, the park expanded to over 250 acres, featuring various sections such as Motor World and Water World, officially launching Action Park on July 4, 1978. The inaugural day included unique events like a Dolly Parton lookalike competition and a tobacco spitting contest, reflecting the park's unconventional approach.

• Design Philosophy and Risk-Taking:
  Mulvihill lacked formal experience in theme park design but was renowned for his imaginative and reckless approach to ride creation.
  "He just went ahead and did it. I think there's something in our culture that's drawn to these individuals who break rules for the sake of breaking rules."
  (07:18)

  Rides were often built without proper modeling or testing, relying instead on Mulvihill's intuition and the creativity of unconventional designers.

Dangerous Attractions and Their Consequences

Action Park's allure was significantly tied to its dangerous rides, which became the source of numerous injuries and fatalities.

• Notable Rides:

  • Cannonball Loop: A 50-foot vertical drop with an upside-down twist, immediately signaling the park's risky nature.
  • Man in the Ball: A PVC pipe track that disastrously failed during a test, leading the ride to crash into a swamp (13:27).
  • Aqua Scoot: A water-based sled ride with perilous rollers that posed severe risks to riders.
  • Tarzan Swing: A high-risk swing over frigid water, infamous for causing disorientation and mockery from onlookers.

• Fatal Incidents:

  • George Larson Jr.'s Death (07:27:10 - 07:38):
    In July 1980, a 19-year-old lost control on the Alpine Slide, resulting in a fatal head injury after flipping off the track. "The park had messaged the newspapers that it wasn't the ride that killed George, it was the rock that hit his head that killed him."

  • Other Fatalities:
    Between 1980 and 1987, multiple deaths occurred due to accidents on the Alpine Slide, wave pool drownings, electrocutions in the kayak ride, and heart attacks, earning the wave pool the ominous nickname "grave pool."

• Legal and Safety Issues: Action Park faced over a hundred lawsuits due to the high number of injuries. Despite federal investigations into underreported earnings and lack of proper liability insurance, Mulvihill continued to operate the park with disregard for safety standards.

Regulatory Crackdown and Closure

By the early 1980s, regulatory bodies began to clamp down on Mulvihill's operations.

• SEC Investigation and Legal Troubles (20:19):
  The SEC uncovered fraudulent activities, including money laundering through a fake insurance company, leading to Gene Mulvihill's guilty plea on multiple criminal counts.

• State Intervention and Land Sale (22:00):
  In an effort to sidestep increasing legal pressures, Mulvihill negotiated the sale of the park's land to the state of New Jersey for approximately $800,000, effectively ending his control over Action Park.

• Bankruptcy and Park Closure (29:05):
  Facing mounting lawsuits and financial strain, Action Park filed for bankruptcy in 1996 and subsequently closed. While many rides were dismantled, the Alpine Slide remained operational for another year with enforced safety measures before its eventual removal.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Action Park left an indelible mark on the local community and those who experienced its extremes.

• Personal Scars and Community Memory:
  Chris Gethard reflects on the lasting psychological impact of the park, expressing discomfort and a desire to prevent new generations from enduring similar dangers.
  "I think a lot of the people going, man, I wish it was still like that. No, you don't. I don't really think you wish it was like that. I don't want my kid going to a place like Action Park, you know? No way."
  (31:48)

• Gene Mulvihill's Reputation:
  Despite the chaos, Mulvihill was hailed by some as a visionary entrepreneur. Former officials like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie praised his unique spirit, while his son Andy Mulvihill provided insight into his father's unconventional logic and relentless pursuit of his vision.

• Cultural References and Continued Interest:
  The story of Action Park continues to captivate listeners and has inspired documentaries, such as Southpour's "Class Action Park," highlighting the park's notorious legacy.

Conclusion

The Criminal episode "Action Park" offers a riveting examination of a place where thrill-seeking met rampant negligence. Through personal anecdotes, detailed historical accounts, and critical analysis, the episode sheds light on how Action Park became a symbol of both entrepreneurial audacity and regulatory failure. The legacy of Action Park serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of prioritizing profit and spectacle over safety and responsibility.

Notable Quotes:

• "Gene Mulvihill said, 'you're not going to find this at Disney.'"
  (13:30)

• "Gene says, 'you can't see the bottom of the ocean either. That doesn't mean you stop people from swimming in it if they want to.'"
  (31:48)

• "Gene's son later said, 'I can tell you he did not stay awake at night worrying about lawsuits. My dad was not a warrior. He was a doer.'"
  (29:49)

Additional Resources:

• Southpour's Documentary: Class Action Park
• Official Website: thisiscriminal.com
• Support and Membership: Criminal Plus