🔒Indoor playground proposed for Corbins Corner in West Hartford

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission in West Hartford has received a proposal to develop an indoor playground for children 10 and under in a vacant retail space at Corbins Corner. Angel Land WEHA LLC has filed an application seeking a special use permit to operate the indoor recreational facility at 1433 New Britain Ave., formerly home to a buybuy Baby retail store. The application is listed under “new business” on the agenda for the commission’s meeting Monday evening. The buybuy Baby store closed in that location in October, when the national chain announced plans to close all of its brick-and-mortar locations. According to a narrative included with the proposal, the applicants intend to convert the 19,053-square-foot space into the state’s second Angel Land location, “a vibrant and safe children’s indoor playground.” Angel Land’s first Connecticut location is in Stamford. The proposed West Hartford facility will “primarily serve children under the age of 10 and will provide a much-needed recreational amenity for young families” in the community, the narrative states. According to the applicants, Angel Land facilities typically range from 15,000 to 25,000 square feet and feature a variety of play equipment and attractions, including:

• Soft play climbing structures;
• Slides and obstacle courses;
• Ball pits and foam zones;
• Sensory-friendly areas for toddlers;
• Imagination play zones (mini-markets, kitchens, construction areas); and
• Private party rooms for birthday celebrations and events.

“Our goal is to create a wholesome and engaging environment where children can enjoy physical activity, social interaction and developmental play, regardless of weather conditions,” the applicants state. The indoor playground would operate primarily during daytime hours, typically 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours available on weekends and for private events, they said. The proposed change of use from retail to an indoor recreational facility falls under the Assembly Group A-3 classification as defined in the town’s building code, the application states. Angel Land is requesting the special use permit to reflect that change. The commission is expected to schedule a public hearing on the application for its meeting on Aug. 4. If approved, Angel Land would join Level 99, a challenge-based indoor “playground,” restaurant and bar that has been approved at 1445 New Britain Ave., at Corbins Corner.