Bowling center reopening has been ‘smooth’

Strike Zone Manager Cassie Westfall assists customers July 31 at Daugherty Bowling Center, which reopened its doors July 25 with new safety measures in place. (Photo by Brian Hill)

‘Drop Zone’ reopens; Bowling, menu specials coming soon

Business has been booming since Daugherty Bowling Center reopened its doors July 25, according to its manager, who says that, overall, patrons are successfully complying with new safety measures in place.

“The reopening of Daugherty Bowling Center has been smooth coming off our 120-day closure,” DBC Manager Joseph Manucci said. “All the guests are very excited that there is bowling — another form of activity available at Fort Leonard Wood. This excitement is driving them to comply with the local rules and regulations that have been established for our facility.”

DBC is currently open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Patrons are asked to sanitize their hands prior to entering the facility and masks are required at all times unless patrons are consuming food and beverages.

The center’s Strike Zone eatery is open with a limited menu that includes pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, fries, pretzels and a variety of sports and soft drinks. Patrons can eat on-site or order takeout.

Bowling now takes place on every other lane, with a limit of six persons per lane. After their games are completed, patrons are asked to leave all rented equipment at the station so staff members can sanitize it.

Bowling stations are sanitized after each use as part of new Daugherty Bowling Center safety measures in place since reopening July 25. (Photo by Brian Hill)

Manucci credited the DBC’s staff for being “as cool as the other side of the pillow” while getting the center and its food operation up and running again, as well as for consistently and effectively applying its cleaning regimen to keep workers and customers safe.

“(DBC had) a great program in place for sanitizing and protecting our guests prior to closure, and the staff has picked right up and is continuing to provide the same service,” he said.

Mannuci noted that, although staff members occasionally have to do some “gentle reminding” for patrons to keep face masks on, overall compliance has been strong.

“Everyone has been respectful of the rules and each other’s space,” he said.

As a result, the center’s Drop Zone Gaming Lounge has reopened with every other machine station now available for use.

“The Drop Zone staff has a check-in policy, and a great sanitation program in place,” Mannuci said.

Continued success could mean more positive changes are on the horizon. Manucci said announcements would be posted on the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mwr.ftwood.

“I would like readers to keep an eye on our social media page, as we are looking to run some food and bowling specials during our hours of operation,” he said.

Bowling rates are $3.25 per game for adults and $2 per game for players ages 16 and younger and 65 and older. Shoe rental is $2.25 per player. DBC is currently taking credit cards only.

More information about DBC and the Drop Zone is available at https://leonardwood.armymwr.com/programs/daugherty-bowling-center.