After 22 years of tossing bowling balls down the lanes at Marion Bowland, the beloved family bowling alley is closing down. With the shopping centre chain Westfield planning to expand this leaves the venue no choice but to cease trading.
Opening in 2000, Marion Bowland has been home to many a birthday party, late night game or weekend activity over the years and with the keeping of its original fixtures, arcade games and furnishings the bowling alley is more than just an activity but a fun-filled nostalgic trip.
After talks of negotiating a space within Westfield Marion, the end result left the alley with less than half of its existing lanes and a space impractical for the business. The shopping centre mega-chain has given them until early January.
News broke on the Marion Bowland Facebook post and the support and love came pouring in as customers reminisced on their memories from over the years and speaking words of thanks to the Bowland team who provided nothing but A-grade customer service to everyone who walked through the doors.
8-year employee and manager at Marion Bowland, Jason, spoke on the closure becoming public saying, “There’s been lots of commenting and we want to thank everyone for the support.”
The retirement of the over 20-year operation comes at a price with more than a handful of groups and bowlers being left without a place to bowl.
The South Australian team in the Special Olympics have resided at the Marion Bowland every Monday and owe their training at the venue to their win this year at the national championship.
“It’s been difficult chatting to the team. There’s 50 to 60 odd bowlers and chatting with other centres to see if they can be fit in hasn’t been easy,” said Jason.
Marion Bowland will be standing proud and keeping their doors open over the summer for anyone wanting one last game before the popular venue’s story comes to an end. There aren’t any official plans of relocating or even keeping the Bowland moniker.
“The owner would like to relocate at some point but they’re going to weigh up the economy. It’ll be a fresh business. It could be a case of going somewhere else that may not be local; maybe something in the hills. We’re not banking on anything.” Says dedicated team member Jason.
It’s still early in the last days of Marion Bowland but the staff are already talking about running some final events, competitions or a lock-in type of party for the diehard customers. This is yet another tale of a loved family business coming from a bygone era having to close its doors but it doesn’t have to go out quietly.
Open 7 days a week from early till late there is plenty of time to get some friends or bring the family to experience the coveted lanes, arcades and games alike.
Marion Bowland is operating until Sunday January 15 next year. Keep updated with posts from the staff on their Facebook.
Find Marion Bowland at Shop 4 MA Westfield Marion, 297 Diagonal Rd, Oaklands Park
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