Bowling alley gets new lanes

by Pvt. Lalita Guenther
27th PAD

	photo by metrocreativegraphics.com

Dragon Bowling Lanes, next to the Mini Mall, is undergoing it’s first full renovation designed to transform and modernize the facility into a more accommodating place for bowlers.

The construction is to be done by Boykin Contracting Company hired by Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation.

The project is being funded with non-appropriated funds, said Ruby Bonapart, the chief of Fort Bragg bowling programs. This means the funds came from money generated by the bowlers.

The original bowling alley was built in 1958 with the first 12 lanes. After six years, they added 12 more.  

“The main reasons for the update are modernization, and getting it more comfortable for the people using it,” said Billy Threatt, the superintendent of Boykin Contracting. “Everything was out-dated and even the fire system was not up to standard,” he said.

“We want to make it more open and bright and give it that wild factor,” said Bonapart. “Dragon Lanes was becoming a little too fitting of a name, with the dark colors and dull lighting. When you think of dragons, you think of dungeons and darkness.”

The contractors ran into a small problem along the way. After starting the construction May 18, the crew encountered a two-month delay.

“There were several walls, which we weren’t supposed to take down, but we had to anyway because of a massive termite infestation,” said Threatt.

This put a small hold on the team, but they are still working very hard to get all the new amenities up and running as soon as possible. 

“We are even adding a new black light system, a new sound system, new furniture, a larger kitchen, a larger restroom and installing a ramp where a pit used to be to make the place more handicap accessible,” said Threatt.

Despite some delays in their work, the contractors said they are moving along.

“So far everything is going good,” said Threatt. “It’s a smooth job and everyone is being very cooperative. We’re even hoping to finish two months ahead of schedule by having the finished product ready in December instead of February.”

Other construction also includes reforming the old indoor smoking/gaming area into a larger gaming room, said Threatt. The smoking hut will now be outdoors.

As far as other new equipment goes, “we are expecting to replace all the chairs and bowling ball returns, said Bonapart. We are also planning to install extreme bowling lighting which includes light-up disco balls and glow in the dark fixtures, which will go over the lanes. With these new lighting features, we will be able to host fun events such as midnight, or “cosmic” bowling.”
This reconstruction will offer Soldiers and their Families more than a new bowling alley.

“We’re giving the Soldiers and Families an opportunity to look at what’s out there today,” said Bonapart. “We’re giving them more up-to-date facilities compared to others. We wanted to bring in what people want today like cosmic bowling.”

When we have a date for the re-opening, there will be a celebration for the grand re-opening of Dragon Lanes, said Bonapart. For more information, call the Airborne Lanes bowling alley at 907-2695.