Hampton OKs request to hold trade shows, private events at North Park Sports Complex

The North Park Sports Complex along Wildwood Road in Hampton has received the go-ahead to rent part of its domed structure for trade shows and other events.

The Light Industrial zoning district in which the venue is located only permits groups of two or more businesses on one site with shared parking as a “conditional use” that must be approved by council, according to the township.

“They had some events there in the past and each time they came to us for permission,” said township manager Chris Lochner. “We suggested that if that is something they planned to continue doing, they should seek conditional approval from council so they don’t have to keep coming back each time.”

While “convention/rental space” is not specifically allowed in a the township’s Light Industrial districts, council can permit it as a conditional use if they determine it is similar to, or compatible with, surrounding existing permitted uses.

The sports complex previously operated as the Wildwood Highlands Entertainment Complex, which closed in December after 30 years.

North Park Sports Complex is closed for the summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, but has an anticipated reopening in the fall, according to a post on social media.

The dome is primarily used for sports leagues, and the mini-golf course that was part of the Wildwood Highlands complex is open to the public.

Operators of the facility could not be reached for comment.

Lochner said some of the events they have mentioned include hosting a home show and other trade events as well as private gatherings.

“They are trying to book one of the home shows there and they rented it out in the past for a huge party held by the local Indian community,” Lochner said. “I think those are the type of activities they would like to continue using it for in the future.”