FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A former Marsh supermarket that has sat empty for years is about to become a bustling family attraction. SHB Companies, a local development firm, purchased the 7301 Maplecrest Road property and secured Slick City Action Park as the new tenant.
Local investors bring the project home
SHB Companies’ owners, Jeremy Hamilton and Megan Matthias Hamilton, are Fort Wayne natives who graduated from Snider High School. In their own words, the project is a way to give back to the community that raised them. “Fort Wayne has always been home to us, and having the opportunity to invest here, bring this building back to life and make a positive contribution to this community means a great deal to Megan and me,” Jeremy Hamilton said.
What Slick City Action Park offers
Slick City Action Park operates indoor slide parks across the country, featuring giant slides, air courts, swings and other attractions designed for visitors of all ages. With more than 100 locations either operating or under construction, the company’s headquarters are in Nashville and St. Louis. The Fort Wayne site will be the first Slick City venue in northeast Indiana.
Economic and community impact
The redevelopment will convert the former grocery store into a modern recreational facility, adding another indoor entertainment option for residents of Allen County and surrounding areas. Hamilton hopes the park will become a gathering place for families and friends, providing a safe, climate‑controlled environment for year‑round fun.
Beyond leisure, the project is expected to generate construction jobs during the build‑out and permanent positions once the park opens. Local businesses may also benefit from increased foot traffic, as visitors often patronize nearby restaurants, shops and service providers.
Timeline and next steps
While an official opening date has not yet been announced, SHB Companies says additional details about construction timelines and the park’s features will be shared as plans move forward. Community members are encouraged to stay tuned for updates through local news outlets and the developers’ public communications.
Why this matters for Fort Wayne
Revitalizing a long‑vacant commercial property aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the city’s northeast corridor, attract new investment, and provide wholesome recreation for families. The project reflects a growing trend of converting underused retail spaces into experience‑based venues that meet modern consumer preferences.
For parents seeking safe, affordable activities for children, especially during Indiana’s cold winter months, the indoor slide park promises a welcome new option. As the Hamiltons noted, the venture is as much about community pride as it is about business growth.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
