KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — Mazes, slides, rides, creative building games, climbing, bouncing and ball pits.
All this and more could soon be coming to Oshtemo Township as California-based Kids Empire has plans to transform the former Pier 1 Imports building, at 5130 W. Main Street in the Maple Hill Pavilion center into a two-story, 10,804 square-foot indoor playground.
Founded by CEO Haim Elbaz in 2017, the company currently operates 35 children’s entertainment centers in eight states, with plans for another six indoor playgrounds to open by year’s end, including in two new states.
If approved, the Oshtemo Township location would be the first Kids Empire in the state of Michigan.
Kids Empire, on behalf of property owner, DFG Maple Hill LLC, recently requested a special exception use permit with Oshtemo Township, which would allow the company to establish an indoor recreational facility in the presently vacant property, which sits between PetSmart and DSW in the Maple Hill Pavilion center.
The commercial center is located immediately northwest of the West Main Street/Drake Road intersection.
According to a letter from Alton Klein, Kids Empire’s director of design and entitlement, addressed to the Oshtemo Township planning department, the facility would serve as an indoor playground specifically for children 12 and under to enjoy activities with friends and family.
The proposed facility includes a large, two-story playground and a smaller playground for toddlers and infants. The facility does not accept or allow drop-offs and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, Klein wrote.
“We are not a day care and we do not prepare or cook any food on the premises,” Klein said in the letter.
Kids Empire would sell pre-packaged foods like chips, candy and cookies, as well as bottled drinks such as water, juice, and soda. The company would also partner with a local pizzeria and caterer or baker to offer pizza and cakes as an “on demand” option for reserved birthday parties only, Klein wrote.
The business would be open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday – Sunday, according to the proposal.
Klein was unable to be reached for comment prior to deadline.
The Oshtemo Township Planning Commission will consider the zoning change at its regularly scheduled, Thursday, April 28 meeting.
For more information on Kids Empire, visit www.kidsempire.com.
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