Plan Commission OKs special-permit resolution for Hi 5 Sports day camp at Willow Hill

The Northbrook Plan Commission on Feb. 18 approved a resolution recommending that the Village Board grant zoning relief and a special permit to Hi 5 Sports to operate a child day camp at the Willow Hill dome at 1350 Willow Road.

Senior Planner Swati Pandey told the commission the petitioner is seeking a zoning-code text amendment limited to the Techne Overlay portion of the O3 (General Office) district and a special permit to allow “amusement and recreation services” — the category that includes a child day camp — at the existing dome and adjacent peripheral parking. Pandey said the applicant proposed to operate primarily in summer (June–August), serve children roughly ages 5–13, and would run Monday–Friday with hours around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Based on occupancy, which is, of 500 campers and 100 employees, 150 spaces would be required," Pandey said, noting the site plan shows about 200 spaces available for the camp-area parking.

Planner Pandey said the application is limited to the dome and nearby parking; the Willow Hill golf course and unrelated portions of the property are outside the petition.

Applicant Daniel Tuckman, who said he lives in Northbrook, told commissioners High 5 has operated for decades and is seeking to expand into Northbrook. "High 5 has been around now for 35 years ... we're excited to bring it to Northbrook," Tuckman said. He said the camp expects between 300 and 500 campers in total over the season, a staff-to-camper ratio of about 1 to 5, and a maximum employee count of about 100. Tuckman said drop-off and pickup will be staffed and signed in and out by camp personnel and that the operator plans optional bus service for some campers.

Commissioners and members of the public focused questions on traffic, parking and site logistics. Commissioner Walden asked, "The access road, is that a private road or a public road?" Planner Pandey and the applicant confirmed the access drive from Willow Road is a private driveway and that the application does not propose changes to the existing Willow Road driveway geometry or a right-in/right-out traffic control.

A member of the public who said her children attend the Hi 5 program spoke in support, praising the camp's operations and drop-off procedures. Commissioners asked additional operational questions about restroom facilities, HVAC and staff training; Tuckman said a bathroom trailer currently serves the site and that his agreement with the property owner includes improved servicing and that the dome will receive an air-conditioning unit as part of their improvements.

Commissioner Bridal moved, with Commissioner Melnick seconding, to approve the resolution as prepared by staff. The roll-call vote was unanimous in favor. Deputy Director Kolstad said the item will be prepared for the Village Board; staff and the applicant indicated they expect to present the matter to the board in March.

The Plan Commission approval is a recommendation; final zoning and permit authority rests with the Village Board. The resolution and staff-recommended site plan included operational details — hours, maximum occupancy, staff-to-camper ratios and the indicated parking calculations — that the commission relied on in making its recommendation.

Planning staff will coordinate with the applicant on final paperwork; the petition will appear on a future Village Board agenda for final action.