EDITOR,
Let's face it. The lost art and value of hanging out with people and throwing a small hard ball at five or 10 small pins at the end of an alley has been forgotten!
When you Google the words "Squamish bowling alley," a company called Garibaldi Lanes comes up. When you call the phone number you get a residence number or a person living in Squamish (uhm. sorry I called you the other night) and it turns out that that bowling alley closed three years ago. Bummer.
I'm writing this letter to The Chief to encourage a brave entrepreneur in our community to start another bowling alley. I'm serious. I think it's time. I think our community has reached the capacity whereby we can support a bowling alley now 365 days of the year.
Your recipe for success: Make sure to start a bowling league and make sure to get the facility licensed! Let's face it. Bowlers like their beer.
Bowling alleys are great retreats during the winter months when it's raining. They are also a more affordable activity option than skiing or rock climbing. Not everyone can afford these sports or activities. Bowling is also accessible because residents of Squamish can take the bus, bike or walk to this activity (it's in our community and not West Vancouver or Whistler).
An evening out bowing could translate to six minutes' travel time from our homes and the result is we have a night of hands-on interaction with actual, real-time people - away from our TVs, iPhones, Blackberries, Wii or our home PCs.
Bowling alleys are the place of first dates, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, first kisses, a 40-something date night, a company team build or Christmas party, and a safe place for teenagers to congregate on weekends. The sheer act of bowling represents a place to come together with friends, family, teammates or community members to just hang out and play, to build on our friendships or even for some friendly competition.
Bowling knows no boundaries. It is an inclusive activity that brings people together from all acts of life instead of dividing us. It might not be Brohm Lake on a hot sunny day, but it affords us an alternative on the rainy days and something to do for those you are not into that super hot yoga or extreme sports. And most of all, bowling is not TV.
Who is ready in this community to make it happen?
I will support you. Sign me up when you are ready.
Michelle Neilson
Squamish
