American Dream Mall Water Park Closed Amid Investigation

The state has ordered the DreamWorks Water Park at the American Dream Mall to remain closed amid its investigation of a decorative helicopter crashing into a pool and injuring four guests, according to North Jersey.com. A large decorative helicopter fell from the ceiling into a swimming pool while people were in the water Sunday (Feb. 20). The injuries of the guests were minor, according to the mall per ABC7. However, one guest was taken to the hospital. The three remaining guests left on their own.

Lisa Ryan, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, said Monday (Feb. 21), per NorthJersey.com, that the state agency’s construction office had issued a "notice of unsafe operations" to the "structure housing the water park."

Ryan added that the agency’s Amusement Ride Safety Unit had issued "an order to cease operations" within the water park "until all investigations are complete, all relevant third-party inspection reports and supporting documentation have been received and reviewed, and a determination into the cause of the failure can be assessed."

"The safety of our guests is our highest priority," American Dream spokeswoman Jessica Griffin said in an emailed statement per NorthJersey.com. "All appropriate security measures have been taken; the park is secured for the duration of the investigation. Additionally, our guest services team is onsite to provide guidance to those whose visits were impacted by yesterday’s event."

She added: "We voluntarily suspended operations immediately following yesterday’s event and remain in lockstep with the state as we continue to coordinate on the investigation to ensure all safety regulations and requirements are met before reopening the DreamWorks Water Park."

The water park is closed now. But Griffin said the rest of the East Rutherford mall and its attractions will remain open.

We all have that one place in mind throughout the state which is our favorite spot to be in New Jersey. It could be the town you grew up in or even where you're residing now but what makes select towns across the state the best of the best?

Travel + Leisure has named the 12 best small towns in New Jersey and within them, you can find historical sites, local shops, some of the top-rated restaurants, and more. While each town is similar in one way or another they each stand out proving why they've garnered this mention.

While we agree with the travel magazine that some of these towns definitely "fly under the radar," you'll want to opt to visit these locations when you put your next trip on the calendar.

Scroll below to see Travel + Leisure's 12 best small towns in New Jersey.