| Happy Friday, Historic Triangle!
Hot, humid weather is set to continue throughout the weekend.
Highs today will return to the upper 80s but will feel more like the 90s, according to Meteorologist Myles Henderson of WTKR News 3. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible later in the day.
This weekend's weather will be similar, with highs near 90 and afternoon heat indices near 100. Storms and showers will be possible on both Saturday and Sunday.
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| Meteorologist Myles Henderson's 5-day heat index forecast. (Photo via Facebook) |
| Rain chances will further increase early next week. Highs will remain in the upper 80s to low 90s through at least Wednesday, with heat indices nearing triple digits.
Now to the news.
-Christin |
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Indoor slide park to move into former Yankee Candle building |
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| The interior of an existing Slick City Action Park. (Photo courtesy of Slick City) |
| The former Yankee Candle building in Williamsburg is set to be converted into an indoor family amusement park.
City Council unanimously approved a special use permit on Thursday for Slick City Action Park, an entertainment center that promotes itself as "the world's first indoor slide park."
The facility features a variety of recreational activities, including indoor slides, air courts, zip lining and laser tag.
Slick City presently owns 16 locations throughout the United States, though most are in the Midwest. The Williamsburg center will be the first in the Southeast.
The venue allows visitors to purchase tickets for specific time slots to participate in the recreational activities. At currently operating Slick City locations, a 120-minute ticket costs $30.99 for ages 4 and older or $16.99 for children 3 and under. Lower cost tickets are available for 90 minute time slots.
Thomas Wysong, the city's principal planner, said the proposal aligns with the intent of the zoning district and is in harmony with the character of the adjacent properties.
All activities at the new site, including waterless slides and a café, will be indoors.
"This blends in well with the existing commercial development without adding any stress to the adjacent residential neighborhood," Wysong said.
According to the developer's proposal, minimal changes will be made to the exterior of the building.
Bowling and entertainment center Uptown Alley previously purchased the site after receiving an incentive grant from the city.
But the company backed out of the deal, telling The Virginia Gazette the renovation price tag ultimately proved to be too high.
Located at 2200 Richmond Road, the 64,000-square-foot building has been vacant since the closure of Yankee Candle during the pandemic in 2021.
Council Member Barbara Ramsey said city leaders have been "waiting for something to happen" with the building and are glad to see a plan move forward. Council Member Stacy Kern-Scheerer said the site fills a need by offering a new indoor activity option for both locals and tourists.
Mayor Douglas Pons also praised the project, saying the entertainment venue would be a "nice compliment" to the upcoming sports center.
"It may not be what was initially intended after Yankee Candle closed, but I think what we have here is a great opportunity to enhance our economy," Pons said. |
| Read this story online. |
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Pixar story artist Matthew Luhn to visit local toy store for book reading and signing |
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| Matthew Luhn. (Photo courtesy of EDC) |
| School Crossing toy store will host acclaimed Pixar story artist Matthew Luhn for a special reading and signing of his children's book Santa Yeti on Saturday, July 19 from 10-12 pm. The event is part of the store's "Christmas in July" celebration, featuring toy deals and other festive activities.
New store owner Erika Elgert purchased School Crossing in April 2024 with her husband, Andrew Elgert, after they learned that the previous owners would not be renewing the building's lease.
Sherry and Bob Phipps opened the specialty toy and educational supply store in 1990 but decided to retire from retail after nearly 35 years of serving the community.
The Elgerts, who homeschool their two children, already had a great deal of knowledge about toys, particularly those with an educational component.
And for Andrew, the store had personal significance. He has fond memories of visiting the store while growing up.
"I approached Andrew about this crazy idea of buying School Crossing and, in turn, changing my career," Erika, a former medical laboratory scientist, told The Triangle. "Andrew remembers going to the store as a child and admitted he also couldn't get the idea of purchasing the store out of his head."
Since its grand reopening in May 2024, the Elgerts have worked to preserve School Crossing's traditional values while introducing new ideas to keep it vibrant and relevant.
"Now, we are having the time of our lives bringing joy and play to our community," Erika said.
The store's upcoming "Christmas in July" event featuring Luhn is expected to be a major draw for families in the Historic Triangle.
Luhn is best known for his animation work on The Simpsons, as well as his leadership in the storytelling department of several Pixar classics including Toy Story 2 and 3, Monsters Inc.and Finding Nemo.
Luhn comes from a line of toy store owners. His family's business, Jeffrey's Toys, operated in the Bay Area for 86 years until the Luhns decided to shut its doors in 2024.
He now works as a keynote speaker – teaching audiences how to integrate better storytelling into film script pitches, small business marketing or even the nursing occupation.
The Elgerts first encountered Luhn when he delivered the keynote address at the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association (ASTRA) Marketplace and Academy.
"After [Luhn's] address, Andrew went up and chatted with him, and he mentioned he would be in the Norfolk area and would love to come by our store," Erika said. "He loves visiting toy stores because his family had owned toy stores in the San Francisco Bay Area for generations." |
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| Luhn's new book, Santa Yeti. (Photo courtesy of Erika Elgert) |
| Luhn's latest creative endeavor, Santa Yeti (2023), showcases his long-lasting drive to capture children' s imaginations.
It tells the tale of a Yeti - an abominable snowman - who dislikes the cold and dreams of moving to Brazil, until a life-changing encounter with Santa Claus alters his path.
At the July 19 event, Luhn will read Santa Yeti aloud, answer audience questions and sign copies of the book. School Crossing recommends attendees pre-order their copy of the book at 757-220-8772, as only a limited number will be available for purchase that day.
"We're thrilled to bring Matthew Luhn to our community," Erika said. "His work has shaped the childhoods of two generations and Santa Yeti carries that same spirit of wonder and imagination. This is a rare opportunity for families to meet someone who helped create the characters they love."
For more information on the "Christmas in July" event, visit School Crossing on Facebook. |
| Read this story online. |
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| NEWS TO KNOW |
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City of Williamsburg celebrates Highland Park upgrades |
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| A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the newly renovated Highland Park Community Park on July 3, 2025. (From left to right, Vice Mayor Pat Dent, Mayor Douglas Pons, Eletha Davis, Council Member Ayanna Williams and Parks Superintendent Chris Prewitt)
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| The City of Williamsburg hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 3 to celebrate new renovations to Highland Park Community Park. |
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| Some background: The upgrades were the culmination of a two-year collaboration between the Highland Park community and Williamsburg Parks & Recreation Department. Residents weighed in on the playground design and pushed for the basketball court to be upgraded. |
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Longtime Highland Park resident Eletha Davis, a member of the neighborhood's civic association, was a featured speaker at the ceremony, along with Mayor Douglas Pons and Parks Superintendent Chris Prewitt. Vice Mayor Pat Dent and Council Member Ayanna Williams were also in attendance. |
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"It's wonderful to see Highland Park's vision for revitalizing the park come to life," Pons said. "We truly appreciate the neighborhood's involvement in the design process, and it's gratifying to know we can meet their needs." |
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| CIVIC NOTES |
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James City County residents are invited to participate in a Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting on July 17 at 6 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to share input or comments on Parks & Rec facilities, county parks, programs and services. |
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York County is looking for residents to fill a variety of vacant local board and commission seats. Opportunities are available for the Planning Commission in District 2, the Historic Yorktown Design Committee, Senior Center of York, Colonial Community Criminal Justice Board and the Board of Equalization. |
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| CRIME REWIND |
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| IN THE HEADLINES |
| Headlines from across the state and the nation. |
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| LOWEST GAS PRICES TODAY |
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| All prices shown are per Gas Buddy. To check the latest prices based on zip code, click here. |
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| This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen and Clare Gifford. Thanks for reading! |
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📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email. |
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