Could Indoor Slides Be Coming to Richmond Road? Williamsburg Planning Commission to Review New Entertainment Center Proposal
A new kind of thrill might be sliding into Williamsburg — literally.
On June 18, 2025, the Williamsburg Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Application PCR 25-012, a request for a special use permit to bring a Slick City Action Park — a cutting-edge indoor entertainment venue known for its massive slides and bounce courts — to 2200 Richmond Road, the former site of the beloved Yankee Candle Village.
So What Is Slick City?
If you haven’t heard of Slick City, you’re not alone — but their momentum is hard to ignore. The company markets itself as the “world’s first indoor slide and air court park,” blending the adrenaline rush of theme park slides with the high-flying fun of trampoline-style air courts. It’s part indoor adventure zone, part bounce house on steroids — and it’s aimed at families, birthday parties, and fun-seekers of all ages.
With 15 locations already open and 29 more under construction, Slick City is expanding fast. They operate as a franchise, and Williamsburg may soon be one of their newest playgrounds — pending approval from the city.
A Big Ask for a Big Idea
The catch? Slick City needs a Special Use Permit (SUP) because a family entertainment center isn’t automatically allowed under the current zoning at the 2200 Richmond Road location. That means the proposal must go through a formal public review process. Residents will have the opportunity to weigh in at the upcoming Planning Commission hearing, scheduled for 3:30 PM on June 18 at the Stryker Center (412 N. Boundary St).
A Familiar Building with a New Future?
If the address sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In a previous article on MrWilliamsburg.com, I wrote about how Uptown Alley, a Virginia-based bowling and entertainment operator, purchased the former Yankee Candle building in early 2024. At the time, there was hope that a bowling and arcade venue would breathe new life into the 65,000-square-foot retail space. However, Uptown Alley ultimately decided not to move forward with their plans and began seeking a new tenant.
“The iconic Yankee Candle building — with its whimsical interior and massive footprint — has been sitting vacant far too long,” I wrote back in 2024. “It’s a unique piece of Williamsburg commercial real estate that deserves a second act as memorable as its first.”
It seems that second act may finally be taking shape.
What This Means for Williamsburg
While Williamsburg is best known for its colonial charm, theme parks, and historic tourism, the addition of a high-energy indoor entertainment venue like Slick City would add to the growing list of family-friendly options — especially during colder months or rainy days when outdoor attractions lose their appeal.
Of course, with any major proposal, there are considerations. Traffic, noise, and parking will all be part of the discussion on June 18. Residents with thoughts, questions, or concerns are encouraged to attend and participate.
Whether you’re intrigued by the idea of flying down a mat slide with your kids or curious about how this fits into Williamsburg’s broader development strategy, the public hearing is your chance to learn more — and make your voice heard.
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I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg — your go-to guide for all things Williamsburg. From neighborhood updates and local business stories to new development insights, I cover what’s happening in our region and what it means for you. Want to stay informed? Bookmark mrwilliamsburg.com or reach out directly — I’d love to help you learn more about life in the ‘Burg.
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