A new outdoor activity much less hair raising than the Test of Metal or climbing the Stawamus Chief is set to develop a following of devotees.
The District of Squamish recently opened a community lawn bowling facility -and although it's located behind the senior's centre, the activity is open to all.
Lawn bowling is a strategic outdoor sport similar to bocce ball, where the objective is to roll slightly asymmetrical balls, called bowls, so that they stop close to a smaller, normally white, ball called the jack or the kitty.
"We're really excited about it and hoping to develop enough interest in the sport to start a club," said the senior's recreation program co-ordinator Carol Wynne.
"Right now we only have some seniors from the centre coming out to try it but that's because most people don't know about it yet."
Lessons are held Wednesdays at 1 p.m. for anyone who's interested in learning how to play and volunteer coach Trish McNair, who has years of lawn bowling experience, is willing to teach more than once a week if enough people are interested.
McNair is a certified Level 2 National Canadian Lawn Bowling coach and she was the chair for Canada Blind Sports Lawn Bowling for four years before deciding to focus on Squamish lawn bowling this year.
"It's always been my dream to have lawn bowing in Squamish," she said. "My dad and I started about eight years ago but it costs a lot of money so it's wonderful the district's put this in. It's not a regulation green but it's good for recreation."
Theodora Carroll, who lives on Edgewater Road, started lawn bowling four weeks ago. She heard about the program through the senior's centre and is quite taken with the sport.
"I think it's a great game and I really like the facility," she said. "It's been lots of fun with the group."
She said she wouldn't mind having more people out and seeing some younger faces as well.
"It's really fun and quite a strategic game - the more the merrier."
Lawn bowling is most popular in New Zealand and Australia, where people of all ages make it a regular social event.
Ben Campbell, a New Zealander who lives in B.C., said lawn bowling is all the rage in back home.
"Young or old, guys or girls, it's a great way to socialize and play a fun game," he said. "It's not just for seniors."
Wynne said everyone is welcome but they prefer anyone looking to use the facility get some instruction before they use the green themselves.
"It does take a little while to get the hang of it," said Wynne. "They are a little bit heavy, especially compared to the carpet bowling balls they are a little bit heavier but once you throw a couple you kind of get used to it."
Some older seniors found the balls a bit heavy so Wynne said she is encouraging younger seniors and anyone of any age from the community to come try it out.
McNair said she could schedule other practice times if necessary and is hoping to have a big picnic celebration and competition on Aug. 24.
Everyone is invited to participate or watch. Anyone interested in learning how to play or using the green and equipment can contact Carol Wynne at 604-848-6896.
