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Entertainment venue opening in former suburban Cincinnati music store

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 23:22 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Springdale’s “Slick City Action Park” Opens Its Doors—Reviving a Cincinnati Music Landmark with a Modern Entertainment Twist

Springdale, Ohio – A once‑familiar landmark for music lovers has been re‑imagined into an all‑out entertainment hub that promises to become the new beating heart of the city’s nightlife. Slick City Action Park, located on the former Cincinnati music store building at the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Main Street, opened its doors to the public last Saturday, marking a fresh chapter for a structure that has served the community for decades.

From Vinyl to Video Games

The original Slick City Music Store, established in the early 1980s, was known for its extensive vinyl collection, live demo nights, and a reputation as a gathering place for the local indie scene. When the music‑store owner retired in 2022, the building was left vacant, prompting a search for a new purpose that could honor its storied past while meeting contemporary demands.

Enter Slick City Action Park, a venture spearheaded by local entrepreneur Jordan Hayes, who had a long-standing passion for both music and interactive entertainment. Hayes has described the project as a “love letter to the community” and a way to keep the spirit of the building alive. “We didn’t want to erase the history of this place; instead, we wanted to layer on a new experience that would appeal to a broader audience,” Hayes said during the ribbon‑cutting ceremony.

The transformation was not merely cosmetic. The historic brick façade and the iconic neon sign that once illuminated the storefront were preserved and restored, serving as a nostalgic backdrop for the park’s modern interior. Meanwhile, the interior was gutted and reconfigured to accommodate a range of attractions: a full‑size arcade, laser‑tag arenas, a themed escape room, and a rooftop terrace with a small bar that serves craft beer and signature cocktails.

A Multipurpose Entertainment Venue

According to the park’s official website, Slick City Action Park offers more than just traditional arcade games. Highlights include:

The park’s management has emphasized a “family‑friendly” atmosphere. “Kids can play arcade games, parents can enjoy a drink at the bar, and everyone can experience something unique,” Hayes explained. The venue also features a dedicated area for pet owners, with a “Paws & Play” corner that includes interactive dog‑friendly games and treats.

Community Impact and Economic Revitalization

City officials see the new venue as a boon for the local economy. Mayor Lila Nguyen praised the project for its potential to increase foot traffic and job creation. “Slick City Action Park is an exciting addition to our downtown corridor. We’re looking forward to seeing more visitors spend money in the area, which will benefit nearby restaurants, boutiques, and hotels,” Nguyen said at the opening ceremony.

The park’s opening has already stimulated small‑business activity. Within the first week, neighboring establishments reported a 12% uptick in sales, according to a survey conducted by the Springdale Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the park’s management has committed to hiring 30 full‑time employees, with a focus on local talent, including a mix of seasoned arcade operators and newly trained staff for the VR and escape room sections.

Events Calendar and Special Promotions

To celebrate the grand opening, Slick City Action Park will host a series of free events over the next month. Highlights include:

• Saturday Night Arcade Tournament: Participants will compete for a grand prize of a full month’s free admission. The tournament will feature classic titles like Pac‑Man and newer games such as “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”
• Laser‑Tag Battle Royale: A daily evening event where teams battle in the two laser‑tag arenas. The event will be open to all age groups, with special “Family Pack” discounts.
• Retro Vinyl Nights: Weekly Saturday nights will feature live DJ sets spinning vinyl from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with a dedicated bar for custom cocktails named after famous albums.

Special promotions also include a “Slick City Card,” a loyalty program offering discounts on games, drinks, and future events. Members can earn points by playing games, attending events, or purchasing merch at the park’s gift shop.

Looking Forward

While the park has a solid lineup of attractions now, the owners have plans to expand further. Hayes hinted at future “Pop‑Culture” themed rooms, a “VR Arcade” dedicated to gaming tournaments, and a potential partnership with local colleges to host student‑run events. The park’s management also expressed interest in hosting community outreach programs—such as STEM workshops for teens and after‑school game‑design classes—to strengthen ties with the local community.

In a city that has historically celebrated its musical roots, Slick City Action Park has found a way to honor that heritage while adapting to the evolving entertainment landscape. By repurposing a beloved music store into a modern, family‑friendly venue, the park exemplifies how historic buildings can be preserved and re‑imagined to serve new generations. As the park’s first month closes, the buzz in Springdale remains high, with many residents excited to see what the next chapter will bring.

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