Ready to dust off your hatchet? Highland to welcome ax throwing to town

Highland residents will soon have a sharp new form of entertainment in town after the city council approved zoning for a new entertainment center featuring ax throwing.

Approval of The Game Yard required the council add “recreational venue” as a special use within certain zoning districts of the city, which was voted on May 17 with the support of the planning and zoning board. The council also approved the actual special-use permit and a liquor license.

“We are so excited for this project,” said Mallord Hubbard, economic development coordinator for the city. He confirmed that The Game Yard will begin with ax-throwing in its first phase at the front of the building, located at 2641 Northtown Way.

It’s a family business, with three siblings, their spouses and their mother and stepfather as joint partners. Tyler Kathmann said he and his siblings are third-generation Highland natives, as his grandfather started the Smile Shop dentistry clinic many years ago.

“We’re very excited to bring this to town ... a really fun and inviting entertainment complex,” Kathmann said. “We think people will enjoy having a casual, fun, entertaining night to play games with friends and family.”

Aimed at adults 18 and older, The Game Yard will have a full-scale bar, but no food in the initial phases — which means people can bring in their own food, Kathmann said.

The design is described as an “elemental and industrial feel” with exposed metal framework, painted wood lanes and distressed concrete floors. Targets will be projected on the wall instead of painted, so the player can choose different games for the throwing experience.

With an eye to the local history, each lane will be named after a Highland landmark, according to the business plan. It is also estimated to create two to four jobs for the community.

The second phase will build out in the rear building and fenced lot for indoor and outdoor games. Kathmann said he anticipates “normal backyard games but stepped-up, like giant ping pong,” or air bowling and human billiards.

James Glik, owner of the shopping center where the venue will be located, said he looks forward to getting some entertainment venues into his center. Right now there are several restaurants and stores, including a Glik’s and Dollar General.

Kathmann said if all goes well, they hope to open in early August for Thursday-Sunday hours, and Monday-Wednesday for private events.