LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
The Skylark Bowling Center recently underwent renovations of its bowling lanes.
The lanes, along with the approaches, hoods and racks, where the balls come up, all were replaced during the two-week process. The Bowling Center never shut down service during construction.
"Our bigger leagues were forced to sit out the two weeks, but our smaller leagues bowled right through the hammering and construction," said Skylark Bowling Center Manager Harry Tilbury.
According to Mr. Tilbury, the $200,000 project resulted in replacing aluminum lanes with lanes made out of synthetic wood.
The 32 new lanes will require less maintenance, including shimming and leveling.
"The biggest difference is the texture," Mr. Tilbury said. "You wouldn't think by touching the new approaches that they would slide easier, but the bowlers are having a much better time sliding than with the old lanes."
Plans to replace the score-keeping machines are in the works.
"Senior leadership has given us the green light, and now we are just taking price quotes from different contractors," Mr. Tilbury said.
The score-keeping machine renovation is projected to cost $400,000.
Measures have also been taken to have cosmic bowling in the future.
"They have lights installed, but they must be connected to black lights to make it work," Mr. Tilbury said. "Bowlers seem to love it and they can see that we are putting some money into our center."