Andy Mulvihill & Action Park: The Untold Story You Need To Know!

01 May, 2025

Could a place notorious for its daredevil rides and disregard for safety regulations also be a place of formative experiences and enduring memories? For those who lived it, and for the son who chronicled it, Action Park wasn't just a theme park; it was a crucible, forging both thrilling adventures and lasting legacies.

The name "Action Park" itself evokes a visceral reaction. For some, it's a nostalgic rush of adrenaline, a reminder of sun-drenched summers and pushing boundaries. For others, it conjures images of scraped knees, close calls, and a general sense of controlled chaos. The park, which opened in 1978, carved its own unique niche in the amusement world, and left behind a complicated legacy in New Jersey. The brainchild of Gene Mulvihill, Action Park was never shy about pushing the envelope, and it quickly became famous or infamous for its unconventional and often dangerous attractions. The park's allure was undeniable, drawing in thrill-seekers eager to test their mettle against the wild rides, many of which were designed and built by Mulvihill himself. The legacy of Action Park, documented in detail by Andy Mulvihill in his 2020 book, "Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park," is a testament to this. The book, published by Penguin Random House, captures the essence of the park and its wild spirit.

Category	Details
Full Name	Andy Mulvihill
Age	56 (as of current date)
Known For	Son of Action Park founder Gene Mulvihill; Author; Business Executive; Former Vice President of the New Jersey State Board of Education
Education	Stanford University
Current Position	CEO, Crystal Springs Resort Real Estate; Chairman, New Jersey Policy Institute
Previous Positions	Vice President, New Jersey State Board of Education (2011-2024); Managerial roles at Action Park; Lifeguard at Action Park; Ride Tester at Action Park.
Published Work	"Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park" (2020)
Location	Morristown, New Jersey.
Connections	500+ connections on LinkedIn
Notable Associations	Crystal Springs Resort, New Jersey Policy Institute
Reference	Andy Mulvihill's LinkedIn Profile

Andy Mulvihill's story is intimately intertwined with Action Park. Growing up under the shadow of the park, he witnessed the daily operations firsthand. From his early days testing the precariously engineered rides to his time as a lifeguard in the infamous wave pool, he experienced the park's rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations. His father, Gene Mulvihill, was known for his vision and often, his disregard for safety regulations, which resulted in many accidents, but also contributed to the park's rebellious charm. As a result, the park held a unique spot in the history of amusement parks, one of fearless experimentation and sheer daring. Andy was, and remains, a key figure in understanding the place's impact, both positive and negative.

The anecdotes surrounding Action Park are legendary. Tales of the Cannonball Loop, a water slide so perilous it was rarely open, and the Alpine Slide, a concrete track where riders controlled their speed with a small brake, continue to circulate. Andy Mulvihill has often spoken of the park's history, and, in his book, shares the stories that, to some, sound almost fictional. The truth of the park's history, however, is that the stories are real. He even confirmed that the tale about the dummy's head was indeed true.

The park's operation, in many ways, was a family affair. While Gene Mulvihill was the visionary, the younger Mulvihill gained experience working there in various roles, from testing rides to helping manage the whole operation. This on-the-ground experience gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of running such a complex and often dangerous operation. His deep understanding of the park's mechanics, its culture, and its legacy provided him with the perspective and the material for his book.

However, the focus on adrenaline-pumping rides sometimes came at a cost. Safety was a concern, and the park saw numerous injuries and, tragically, some deaths. While Action Park had a legion of fans, it's impossible to ignore the fact that the environment at times was hazardous, and the lack of strict regulations at times amplified the risk. These concerns eventually led to increased scrutiny and, ultimately, to changes in the park's operations.

In the book, "Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park," Andy delves deep into the park's history, recounting the ingenuity behind the rides and the day-to-day operations. The construction of the rides, including the challenging process of digging into the mountain, reflects the lengths Gene Mulvihill would go to achieve his vision. One of the features of the park that has been recalled in many interviews by Andy is the wave pool, which he recalls fondly as one of the highlights.

Beyond the thrill rides, Andy has a successful career. Currently, he holds the position of CEO at Crystal Springs Resort Real Estate. This move to the business side of resorts is a natural progression, given his family background and deep understanding of the resort industry. Crystal Springs Resort is an established brand and its development and growth reflect a commitment to hospitality and quality. His business acumen, combined with his personal experiences, has positioned him as a respected leader.

Andy Mulvihill's influence extends beyond the realm of amusement parks and business. He previously served as Vice President of the New Jersey State Board of Education, a position he held from 2011 to 2024. This shows his commitment to educational issues and parental rights, which he strongly advocates for. Recently, he was elected chairman of the New Jersey Policy Institute, signaling his continued involvement in policy-making and advocacy.

The legacy of Action Park continues to fascinate. While the original park eventually closed, the spirit of innovation and a certain devil-may-care attitude remain. Its a place that inspires many. The impact of the park, and the story of its creator, remain captivating. The fact that Andy Mulvihill's account is so well-received speaks to the enduring power of nostalgia, the complexities of family, and the appeal of a good, albeit dangerous, story. His book is the definitive guide to understanding the heart of Action Park.

The saga of Action Park and the Mulvihill family also highlights a pivotal period of amusement park history. The development of the park occurred during a time when the industry was changing. Rides were becoming more sophisticated, and safety standards were still in their formative stages. Action Park, with its unique mix of homemade and professionally designed attractions, embodied this era of innovation and risk-taking. Andy's account captures this dynamic, offering a glimpse into the mindset of the people who built and operated the park, and the thrill-seekers who flocked to it.

Even today, the original Action Park is remembered by a passionate group of fans. The reopening under the "Action Park" name, with updated and safer rides, underscores the nostalgia that continues to fuel interest. The name, the memories, and the tales of the daredevil rides have a resonance that continues to attract a loyal fan base. This resurgence shows the power of a unique experience, and the lasting impact of a place that dared to be different.

The story of Action Park, as told by Andy Mulvihill, is ultimately a human story. Its about a family, a place, and a set of experiences that shaped generations. It shows the allure of the thrill, the complexities of risk, and the lasting power of memory. The book is much more than a simple recounting of amusement park shenanigans; it's a thoughtful reflection on a specific time and place, and the people who made it memorable.

The appointment of Arcelio Aponte to a position in Piscataway, Middlesex County in 2005, and the nomination of Claudine Keenan to the senate judiciary committee, demonstrate how people involved in the education sector are playing important roles. Andy Mulvihill's voice is often cited when it comes to parental rights in education. The events, along with the broader narrative of Action Park, show how individuals' actions and experiences can shape the world around them.

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