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Part of a former big-box store in Orange City will become a high-energy play center for children of all ages.
A California developer and a company known as Get Air Trampoline Park will renovate a large part of the old Kmart in the Market Place shopping center, installing trampolines and other amenities that give patrons the chance to become action figures.
“It’s a positive step happening in the community,” Ken Simons told the Orange City Council April 23.
The City Council voted unanimously in favor of Simons’ proposal to renovate about 27,000 square feet on the north side of the former Kmart store at 810 Saxon Blvd. for Get Air.
The Orange City Planning Commission had recommended approval of Get Air’s request.
Simons last year subdivided the former Kmart into three possible storefronts, and brought Ollie’s Bargain Outlet into the south space.
The OK to refit the interior space for Get Air comes in the form of a conditional use, or special permission to set up a business or activity not specifically allowed in Orange City’s zoning code. Orange City Council Member Bill Crippen praised Simons’ efforts as “bringing new life to this area.”
In addition to trampolines, Get Air will feature jumping courts, dodgeball courts, foam pits, trampoline slides, a basketball court, zip lines, obstacle courses, swings, infant and children’s play areas, and rooms for private parties.
The company said its trampolines will be safer than jumping equipment sold for home use.
“It’s a lot bigger than those, because you can fall off those,” Get Air District Manager Matt Reeves said.
The opening date for Get Air has not been set, but Reeves said he would like to be ready to open as early as August.
Get Air is a recreational place where families could bring children for birthdays and other special occasions. The planning staff’s report also notes Get Air rents the facility for companies and organizations.
“Get Air will create 40 to 50 full-time and part-time jobs,” the report said. “Because of its unique concept and features, Get Air brings in income from surrounding areas. Families who may live further away from the parks are willing to travel for a fun venue.”
The Get Air space includes the outdoor area formerly used as Kmart’s garden shop. Mayor Gary Blair jokingly suggested the outdoor space be used as “a beer garden.”
One of the conditions set by the City Council is that Simons must improve the outdoor area to comply with Orange City’s architectural standards.
Because children at play and background music can sometimes be quite loud, Simons told the City Council the building will be soundproofed.
Get Air Trampoline Parks’ home offices are in Roy, Utah, according to an Orange City planning document.
