Massive Go-Kart Complex Proposed At Cherry Hill's Former Racetrack

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Racing could return to the site of the former site of Garden State Park Racetrack, with an indoor go-kart complex proposed for Cherry Hill.

Supercharged Entertainment wants to bring an entertainment facility to the vacant property that once contained a horse track. Centered around a multi-level go-kart track, the 89,000-square-foot building will also feature a bowling alley, gaming arcade and a bar and restaurant under the developer's proposal.

The Garden State Gatehouse — the historic racetrack's last-remaining relic — would be preserved under the plan, which is scheduled for a hearing at Thursday's Cherry Hill Zoning Board meeting.

Garden State Park Racetrack opened in 1942, becoming a national horse-racing hotbed that spurred Cherry Hill's transformation from its rural roots. The track burned down in 1977 and reopened in 1985, but it was never the same.

Ultimately, the racetrack closed in 2001. Most of the property has been redeveloped with homes and retail. But the 10-acre portion with the racetrack was not part of the greater development plan, and it has remained vacant.

All that's left standing is the Garden State Gatehouse — a historic landmark that Cherry Hill residents have fought to preserve.

Under Supercharged Entertainment's plan, the gatehouse would be transferred to the township for historic preservation.

Most of the property at Route 70 and Garden State Boulevard would consist of the entertainment facility and its 283-space parking lot. Driveways would be installed on Garden State Boulevard and not on Route 70.

The multi-level go-kart track on the first floor would support more than 40 racers at once. The second floor would contain the bowling alley, arcade games, and the bar and restaurant, according to the architectural plans.

The building itself would be 55 feet, 8 inches tall.

About a quarter of the property cannot support development because of the stormwater basin, according to Zoning Board documents.

Supercharged Entertainment runs a similar facility in Edison.

The Zoning Board meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The board meets on Zoom. Click here to see how to access the meeting.