Mountain Creek opens for 35th anniversary season
VERNON — Mountain Creek Waterpark, like no other park in the world, is celebrating its 35th season this summer season. Action Park – as Mountain Creek was formerly called — became one of America’s first waterparks in 1978.
Over the years, the Vernon-based amusement park became a cultural touchstone in New Jersey. Action Park soared in popularity in the 80s with three areas of attraction: it’s famous Alpine Slide and Bungee Tower Jump; Motorworld, which featured drive-it-yourself LOLA Race Cars, Go Karts, Speedboats and a tennis ball-firing Tank Ride; and Waterworld, which offered dozens of famous rides, slides, and attractions including the Aerodium, a skydiving simulator that let riders hover in the air without any restraints.
Thirty-five years later, Mountain Creek’s most popular rides are some of the waterpark’s original attractions: H2-Oh-No, a heart-stopping 99-foot speed slide; Cliff Jump, a panic-inducing 23-foot leap into deep mountain springs; Tarzan Swing, a free-fall into crystal clear spring-fed waters; and the legendary whitewater rapids of the Colorado River Tour — the only ride of its kind, a 1,600-foot long river ride built into the natural topography of the mountain.
Additionally, junior thrill seekers and splashers can have just as much fun at Kids World with its mini slides, waves, lazy river and interactive multi-level water fort.
Mountain Creek has added four new attractions in the past year: the Alpine Mountain Coaster, a cross between the Alpine Slide and rollercoaster; Soaring Eagle, the newest in zip thrill rides; Drop Zone Thrill Tubes, just like snow tubing without the snow; and now, visitors can tap into their competitive side at Mountain Creek Sports Park and play basketball, hockey, tennis, softball, soccer and golf with friends and family. For those looking to explore the mountain’s peak, Mountain Creek offers Zoom Ziplines. Guests soar across picturesque lakes on a gravity fueled, dual zipline tour reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour.
Visit www.mountaincreek.com for more information and operating hours.