HANSCOM AFB – The Hanscom Lanes bowling center reopened for regular bowling on Aug. 20, but there’s a limit to the amount of people using the facility at any one time.
Masks are required to enter the building.
“Everybody’s got to wear a mask,” said Steve Bates, manager of Hanscom Lanes. “You don’t wear a mask, you don’t get to come in. We need to be safe for our customers.”
Hanscom Lanes employees will greet people at the entrance and check customers’ temperatures as a safety precaution. Proper social distancing between groups will be required and hand sanitizer will be available.
Customers will not have to wear a mask at their lane but if they leave the bowling area, they must put a mask on.
Six lanes are available for bowlers to use because every other lane is closed to maximize social distancing. Groups using the lanes will be limited to four people per group, except for families of up to six, until a maximum of 24 people is reached.
Bates said customers must be actively involved in bowling; no spectators. In addition, bowling leagues are not allowed to use the facility at this time.
“We can’t have more than 24 people in the bowling area and most of the leagues are larger than that,” said Bates. “We’re talking about it, but right now we can’t do it and meet the state requirements. It would be nice to have the leagues back, but I don’t think it’s going to happen for a while.”
Due to the limited number of lanes, reservations will be required for bowlers prior to their arrival.
The reservation system will help assure proper staffing and provide a tracking mechanism. It will also ensure equitable treatment of customers during high-demand periods.
“You can sign up for an hour-long session,” said Bates. “If there isn’t somebody waiting for a lane, you can stay and continue bowling, but if we’re busy we’re going to have to ask you to make way for new customers so they can have their turn.”
To make reservations, go to: www.waitlist.me/w/11864161097.
All bowling shoes and balls will be sanitized after each session, using approved methods.
The hours for the bowling center are Thursday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.