Village Board to consider approving a special use permit for an indoor obstacle course based on the Ninja Warrior series
HUNTLEY — WorkUP Ninja has recently requested a special use permit to operate an indoor amusement center within the “M Planned Unit Development (PUD)” Manufacturing District. According to the July 11 Village Board meeting agenda packet, WorkUP plans to operate a commercial indoor health and exercise club within the tenant space located between 10711-10713 Wolf Drive.
The indoor amusement center operated by WorkUP Ninja is described as an indoor obstacle course gym built based on the American Ninja Warrior television series. The business had previously operated within the “MAC” Indoor/Outdoor Sports Complex (1310 Ridgefield Road) in Crystal Lake and is proposing opening a similar business within the Wolf Business Center.
The business offers structured classes, open play, and will host private events. Open play visitation is scheduled for Monday and Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday throughout the day. Village staff state that the availability for open play is dependent upon scheduled private events, which can be booked on Friday evenings, Saturday, and Sunday. Additionally, classes are offered for specified age groups at specific times throughout the week and are available for kids ranging from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.
Based on the site plan, the 7.7-acre lot supports an 85,000-square-foot multi-tenant building. The property is devoted primarily to light industrial users and similar tenants operating gymnastics, cheer, and baseball facilities. WorkUP Ninja is proposing to use the 5,000-square-foot unit located at the northeast corner of the existing building for indoor amusement.
According to village staff, WorkUP Ninja’s floor plans propose to include a main lobby, offices, a party room, and a large obstacle course gym area.
“We are an indoor obstacle course gym founded in 2017 and are themed from the popular TV show America Ninja Warrior. Our programs are for ages 4 to adult,” stated Mike Schwartz, the owner of WorkUP Ninja and Prop Dynamics LLC XXXII, in a letter to the village. “Our classes are designed to challenge everyone as they WorkUp to becoming master ninjas! Participants have fun while building endurance, strength, balance, and confidence! Programs are run seven days a week with weekends being our busiest time.”
The Plan Commission conducted a public hearing on June 24 to consider the petitioner’s request. No members of the public came forward to testify in favor or opposition to the request, which prompted the Plan Commission to approve the petition to move forward to the Village Board by a vote of five to zero, subject to certain conditions.
If the special use permit is approved, individuals will be able to register for WorkUP Ninja classes either online, by phone, or on-site. When there are open play events, participants will register on-site. Birthday parties will be booked over the phone or on-site.
At the upcoming board meeting, trustees will be tasked with approving the special use permit allowing the petitioner to operate its indoor amusement gym.
