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Langford Lanes reopens with dividers, fewer lanes

Ice rink, mini-golf and restaurant to follow new regulations
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Langford Lanes employee Chloe Kehler (pictured) stands by a Plexiglas divider, a new installation at the bowling alley. They’re down to 10 lanes instead of 20. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)

Hear the sound of pins crashing and the congratulatory cheers from the sidelines as City Centre Park has reopened many of its activities, including Langford Lanes, as of May 29.

Unsurprisingly, the bowling experience looks a little different for returning customers. Twenty lanes are reduced to 10 with barriers. Music is lowered a tad to help visitors hear each other from six feet apart. The vending machines, arcade games, and candy crane aren’t turned on.

Notably, 15-minute blocks are required between each booking in order to fully sanitize tables, chairs, bowling balls and contact surfaces.

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What was once a laid-back experience of perusing a wide variety of colourful bowling balls is now strict. Once you choose a ball, it must stay on your ball return to help staff know which ones were used during the game.

“It’s gonna be fun, but it makes me a little anxious as well,” said employee Maureen Natarelli. “But we’re prepared to welcome back the community.”

While the photo booth and carousel will be regularly cleaned, self-serve items including water cups on the lanes and birthday packages won’t be offered. There will be a maximum of six people allowed per lane, including spectators. Walk-ins will be accepted and online reservations are expected to be available on their website soon.

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“A couple days ago we had seniors bowling and at least three lanes were full,” said Gerry St. Cyr, facility operator of City Centre Park. “It was great to see them again and we’re excited to bring back some normalcy to our community.”

Meanwhile, Westhills Arena is open for private rentals only with no contact sports allowed, showers closed and dressing rooms available only in 15-minute bookings.

There are 10 skaters and two coaches allowed on the ice at all times. Visitors are encouraged to arrive in full gear and advised to enter through the main entrance and exit through the west entrance. There will only be one guardian or parent allowed to attend each private session, with red check marks on seated that are meant to be occupied.

Mini-golf is allowed with only two people per hole, or up to four if they’re from the same household.

City Centre Grille is open with a maximum of six people per table. Darts and shuffleboard are shut down until further notice.

Due to their capacity being cut by 50 per cent, they’ve expanded their patio into the space that usually houses an outdoor splash park and ice skating rink. The extended patio is expected to be up and running by June 12 and will run on the weekends.


@iaaronguillen
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aaron.guillen@goldstreamgazette.com

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Gerry St. Cyr, facility operator of City Centre Park, says this’ll be the first year they’ve built an outdoor mini-bar, in response to provincial health regulations for COVID-19. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)
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Langford’s City Centre Park will allow one parent or guardian to watch their kid as they attend hockey practice. Only seats with a red check mark can be occupied. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)