Planning commission recommends approval for Kid n Play indoor playground at 506 Lockwood Drive

The Richardson City Planning Commission voted unanimously on March 3 to recommend approval of a special permit for Kid n Play, an indoor playground proposed for 506 Lockwood Drive in the Lockwood District.

Planning staff described the request as a special permit for a commercial amusement center occupying a 3,500-square-foot suite within a roughly 10,000-square-foot multi-tenant building on a 0.56-acre lot. Staff said the facility would be limited to children ages 0–5, would hold a maximum of about 30 people (parents, staff and children) at any time, and would operate Tuesday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with weekend availability by appointment from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Staff noted all activities would be inside the suite and that the Central Place subdistrict’s planned development does not impose parking requirements on existing buildings; the site includes roughly 33–34 on-site spaces plus street and public overflow parking.

“There will be a staff member present at all times, but parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children, and they are required to stay inside of the facility,” said Derek Peters of the planning staff during his presentation.

Applicant Tiffany Long, who identified the business as Kid n Play and gave the address as 506 Lockwood Drive, told commissioners the concept prioritizes both children and caregivers: “We’re bringing a thoughtfully designed indoor playground to the Lockwood area of Richardson, transforming the space into a vibrant, family-centered destination.” She said the business model will emphasize birthday parties and memberships (she cited membership pricing examples), with open-play and pack options available for drop-in customers.

Commissioners raised a handful of operational and safety questions, including whether a required separation from an alcohol-serving establishment would apply. A staff member explained that separation provisions in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code protect certain land uses—such as public schools or churches—and that those protections do not automatically extend to informal play places; because the distillery preexisted the proposal, that separation would not bar the playground under the Code.

Commissioner Pointer suggested the commission could recommend a dedicated marked entry or coned parking space in front of the suite to create a safer pedestrian entry path for children and parents; staff said the commission may include such language as a recommendation but that designation and enforcement of reserved parking on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

After discussion and generally positive remarks from several commissioners about the concept and neighborhood fit, a commissioner moved to approve Zoning File 26-01 as presented. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously; staff said the case will be forwarded to City Council on March 23.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation on Zoning File 26-01 will go to the Richardson City Council on March 23 for final consideration.