Former grocery store targeted for trampoline park

Planning Commission recommends approval of zoning request

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

A former grocery store building could have a new life as an entertainment destination.
Sky Zone plans to convert the vacant Mini Max grocery store building,10011 SE 15th St., into an indoor trampoline park.

The property owner is seeking to rezone the property from a Planned Unit Development to an Amended Planned Unit Development (PUD). The proposed use of a trampoline park is not permitted under the current zoning district.

Tabula Rasa, a holding company, is the franchisee for the Sky Zone in Midwest City. Greg Schmatz, VP of operations for Tabula Rasa, presented the project to the Midwest City Planning Commission at the Feb. 4 meeting.

The applicant is also asking to amend the sign regulations to allow for a wall sign on the south side of the building, which would be the main entrance. City staff noted that original PUD did not allow for a wall sign on the south wall but said that has historically been the main entrance for prior occupants.

“The sign regulations exclude a wall sign facing the south even though that has always been permitted there,” said Emily Richey, planning manager. “So, they’re requesting to continue to allow that since it will be the main entrance.”

According to Oklahoma County Assessor records, the nearly 50,000-square-foot building was built in 1996. It operated as a grocery store under different names, most recently as Mini Max which closed in the fall.

Members of the Planning Commission said they were sad to see the grocery store close but are excited about the possibilities of a trampoline park.

Rick Rice, planning commissioner, said he and his wife had considered opening a similar business a few years ago. He expects it to be a popular option on the east side of the metro.

Schmatz said Tabula Rasa is the largest franchisee of Sky Zone Trampoline Park with 24 in service and have developed their own brand of indoor playgrounds. He said he appreciates the warm response from city leaders and promises to be a good partner in the community.

“It’s incredibly heartwarming to hear that you want to have the business in town,” he said. “You can imagine in 24 cities across the country, you don’t get the same story all of the time.”

Schmatz said they plan to reuse as much of the existing building as possible. He said the project could include raising the height of the roof. He expects the park to be open within 14 months.

The planning commission unanimously recommended approval of the zoning request. Commissioner Dee Collins was absent.

Sky Zone has been growing rapidly, according to an article in the Franchise Times. The Provo, Utah-based company has 250 locations after adding nine more in 2024. The company is anticipating opening another 20 parks this year, said Sky Zone President Mike Revak.

The company has locations in Edmond and Tulsa.

The planning commission also recommend approval of a minor plat application for land near the Sooner Rose Shopping Center. The applicant, Terence Haynes with SMC Consulting Engineers, P.C., is seeking to create an additional out parcel from property west of Regal Warren Theatre and north of the Sooner Rose Shopping Center. Staff noted that the buildable area is limited due to existing easements.

The city council will consider both items at the Feb. 25 meeting.