Indoor slide park to move into former Yankee Candle building

The former Yankee Candle building in Williamsburg is set to be converted into an indoor family amusement park.

City Council unanimously approved a special use permit on Thursday for Slick City Action Park, an entertainment center that promotes itself as “the world’s first indoor slide park.”

The facility features a variety of recreational activities, including indoor slides, air courts, zip lining and laser tag. 

Slick City presently owns 16 locations throughout the United States, though most are in the Midwest. The Williamsburg center will be the first in the Southeast.

The venue allows visitors to purchase tickets for specific time slots to participate in the recreational activities. At currently operating Slick City locations, a 120-minute ticket costs $30.99 for ages 4 and older or $16.99 for children 3 and under. Lower cost tickets are available for 90 minute time slots.

Thomas Wysong, the city’s principal planner, said the proposal aligns with the intent of the zoning district and is in harmony with the character of the adjacent properties. 

All activities at the new site, including waterless slides and a café, will be indoors.

“This blends in well with the existing commercial development without adding any stress to the adjacent residential neighborhood,” Wysong said.

According to the developer’s proposal, minimal changes will be made to the exterior of the building.

Bowling and entertainment center Uptown Alley previously purchased the site after receiving an incentive grant from the city.

But the company backed out of the deal, telling The Virginia Gazette the renovation price tag ultimately proved to be too high.

Located at 2200 Richmond Road, the 64,000-square-foot building has been vacant since the closure of Yankee Candle during the pandemic in 2021.

Council Member Barbara Ramsey said city leaders have been “waiting for something to happen” with the building and are glad to see a plan move forward. Council Member Stacy Kern-Scheerer said the site fills a need by offering a new indoor activity option for both locals and tourists.

Mayor Douglas Pons also praised the project, saying the entertainment venue would be a “nice compliment” to the upcoming sports center.

“It may not be what was initially intended after Yankee Candle closed, but I think what we have here is a great opportunity to enhance our economy,” Pons said.