BACK IN BUSINESS
Bowling enthusiasts excited to see alleys reopen
"It’s just another step toward the whole economy being reopen, but it’s an important one. It’s a recreational opportunity for folks and families — a chance to get out of the house and do something fun together, safely." — Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Bowling alleys are back in business as part of the state’s latest stage in reopening the economy.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week that bowling alleys throughout New York were allowed to reopen starting Monday, with strict safety protocols in place.
Alleys are currently able to operate at a 50 percent maximum occupancy limit with face coverings and social distancing required at all times.
Every other lane must be closed, and patrons need to stay with the party at their assigned lane.
Additionally, thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment is required between each use.
In an announcement that covered New York City museums and other lowrisk cultural institutions, Cuomo said, “I’m also happy to report that we will be able to open bowling alleys across the state with strict safety protocols in place, providing a level of fun and recreation at a time when New Yorkers really need it.”
Enthusiasts of the sport found their way to local bowling alleys on Monday, the first day these facilities have been able to operate in about five months.
Among the patrons at Saratoga Strike Zone in Saratoga Springs on Monday afternoon were Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus and Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri, who all played a game in an effort to show support for this local business affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Woerner said she is
thrilled that bowling alleys are reopen. “These are great businesses,” she said, noting that there are three bowling alleys within her district. “They employ a number of people. They’ve done great things about trying to get their buildings outfitted for this, establishing appropriate sanitation and distancing requirements - and it’s just time.”
Furthermore, “Families need places to go,” Woerner continued. “It’s been such a wicked hot summer. There’s only so many board games you can play at home. Bowling has always been a great family outing, a family activity. It’s not terribly expensive. Everybody can do it together.”
Kelly agreed, expressing that it’s great to see bowling alleys reopening. “It gives people another opportunity to get out of the house safely. It’s a great sport. It’s a great family game,” Kelly said between frames, adding that the city looks forward to supporting all of its local businesses throughout the reopening process.
Shimkus and other chamber representatives plan to visit all of the bowling alleys within Saratoga County this week to celebrate that these local businesses are allowed to reopen. This includes Spare Time in Clifton Park, Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls, and Hometown Lanes in Mechanicville.
“It’s just another step toward the whole economy being reopen, but it’s an important one,” he said. “It’s a recreational opportunity for folks and families — a chance to get out of the house and do something fun together, safely.”
Leggieri added, “It’s just great to see that another business sector is opening, and that they’re able to do it safely with necessary precautions.”
Some who are most excited about bowling coming back are alley owners like Rich Sheldon of Saratoga Strike Zone.
“Today is a good day,” Sheldon said on Monday, referring to the facility’s reopening as “the return of fun.”
Sheldon, who owns the alley along with business partner Frank Parillo since 2008, advised returning customers that there are a few changes in place in accordance with the state guidelines.
These adaptations, however, did not stop Monday’s bowling crowd from having a fun time. “People are excited, they love the game, and they’re glad to be back,” Sheldon shared.
This statewide reopening comes at a critical time for bowling alleys, right before the start of fall leagues. “That’s when the bowling alleys make most of their money is through the league play,” Woerner said.
League bowlers will notice some of the biggest changes, Sheldon said, mentioning no alternating lanes, but they will be back including junior leagues, senior leagues, mixed leagues and leagues for competitive bowlers. “That’s the beauty of bowling,” Sheldon said, “it’s for everyone, four to 104 — or more!”