Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The potential of a renaissance at the local bowling alley came one step closer to reality last week.
The New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation (NRABC) board unanimously passed a motion to purchase Wonder Lanes bowling alley at their board meeting on Wednesday, September 9.
In 2018, the NRABC completed a strategic plan to identify a vision for the community’s future. Securing the future of the bowling alley was an item of concern for citizens at the time. After reading the article in the “Transcript” about its closure two weeks ago, as well as having conversations with the owner, the NRABC board wanted to help find a solution.
NRABC Interim Executive Director Sarah Smith Warren said Monday that the NRABC board had a lengthy discussion focused on what it might mean to own the facility.
“One of the main items of concern was to secure the facility and have the ability to provide professional assistance and resources to future potential interested parties,” Smith Warren said. There were several operation models discussed, according to Smith Warren, including selling the property to an interested buyer with a strong business plan, NRABC using its resources to update the facility after purchase and then lease the space to a bowling or restaurant business, or NRABC ultimately operating the facility.
NRABC President Stu Richter said he’s aware that there may be individuals interested in purchasing the space and/or operating the bowling alley. However, none were in place to succeed the Kruegers at the time of the closure announcement.
Smith Warren added that the mechanical equipment and scoring system at the bowling alley both need updating, as it is no longer possible to get parts for the existing systems. NRABC is seeking out options for updating the facility, which Smith Warren said could exceed $100,000.
“The goal of NRABC is to help create and assist more thriving businesses in the community. By purchasing the facility, the NRABC wanted to secure the property and give potential buyers more time and assistance to create their business plans,” Smith Warren concluded.
NRABC will begin the process of researching the costs of updating the facility and evaluating operation strategies. If anyone is interested in discussing the project, submitting a proposal or assisting in operating the bowling alley, please contact NRABC at (701) 947-2205.