NO TIME TO SPARE/

Bowlers will be back at Wonder Lanes throwing strikes by September, if all goes according to plan. New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation unveiled renovation plans for the iconic bowling alley this past week, a $350,000 project that involves a complete update of both the facility's interior and exterior as well as bowling equipment upgrades throughout.

Sarah Smith Warren of Soul Space Work, the consultant managing the project, said the space was designed to "celebrate the history of the Krueger family and their contributions to bowling and the community." Working with a North Dakota native graphic designer, Heidi Favour, who now lives in Seattle, Wash., and local designer Beau Idalski, Smith Warren said they aimed to preserve the bowling alley's unique "retro vibe." In order to accomplish that, they plan to simply refresh much of the existing furniture and fixtures, which are in excellent condition for their age, Smith Warren noted.

Most visibly, the original masking will get a fresh coat of paint, but otherwise remain in place. The vintage triangular shaped scoring tables and swiveling bucket chairs will be refinished and repainted, as well as the ball racks, counters and shoe storage areas. The fluorescent lighting will be upgraded to LED for added brightness and energy efficiency.

There will definitely be some shiny and new too, where it matters most. All new equipment, scoring machines, ball returns and gutters will be installed, even automatic bumpers for the littles! Bright new screens will illuminate bowlers' scores as well. The NRABC is continuing to research the best equipment options, including meeting with industry representatives and league bowlers to gain feedback before deciding whether to purchase a refurbished freefall system or upgrade to a new string system. The traditional freefall system is sanctioned by the United States Bowling Congress and is required for official tournament play throughout the country. On the other hand, the string system is state-of-the-art, requires much less maintenance and is easier to operate than the freefall system. It's also favored by casual bowling facilities, is sanctioned internationally and is likely to be sanctioned for official tournament use in the next few years, Smith Warren said. No matter which system is chosen, however, the lanes will be modern and efficient.

New accent lighting will go in throughout the space, including pendant lights above the scoring tables, counter and lobby tables. The exterior will also get new lighting, as well as fresh siding and attractive signage.

The history of Wonder Lanes will live on in the new and improved facility in more ways than one. Images from the Kruegers' extensive scrapbook will be replicated onto 4-5 foot long collages and displayed on the walls, and shelving near the front counter will proudly showcase trophies, awards and other memorabilia the Krueger family has collected over its 60 years of operation.

To make the September opening a reality, there's a lot of work to be done and dollars to raise. The NRABC took the first steps by securing a $200,000 economic development loan from Northern Plains Electric, which will be repaid at 1% interest. A grant writing and fundraising campaign is underway to raise the remaining $150,000 needed for the project by July 1. Individuals who want to see this project move forward are encouraged to donate online at http://www.cityofnewrockford.com, or make a contribution at Bank Forward's New Rockford branch.

Volunteers are also wanted. Readers interested in working on the building and/or assisting with fundraising should contact NRABC Executive Director Amanda Hegland at (701) 947-2205 or email [email protected].

Smith Warren again stressed that although NRABC is the current owner of the building, the board of directors prefers that the facility returns to private management and/or ownership once it is renovated. "NRABC is open if anybody is interested in either managing it and/or operating their own business out of the facility, " she noted, adding that the local organization is willing to help develop an operational plan or assist with the creation of a business plan.

Many may be asking what the transition might look like, considering that the NRABC is a nonprofit organization supported by sales tax dollars. Well, two currently operating businesses serve as good examples of how NRABC has built or improved a business and then effectively turned it over to private hands. In 2012 the NRABC secured a USDA grant to upgrade the Rockford Theatre to digital projection. To this day, NRABC owns the building and leases it to private operator Glenda Collier. The other example is Rockin' Fitness. The NRABC secured both loan and grant funds to build a wellness center in downtown New Rockford. The facility was completed in 2011, and the NRABC hired a manager to oversee the fitness center operations for several years before it was purchased by Elliott Belquist and Evan Savageau. The facility is now privately owned and operated by the Belquist family. Either scenario would be advantageous and of economic benefit to the community.

In the meantime, NRABC is putting its own operational plan in place, which is focused on ensuring that the business will generate enough revenue to pay back the loan and sustain itself. The facility will be open for league play for adults and youth, as well as open bowling on weekends. Children's parties along with adult and corporate parties will also be offered.

For more information, connect with them on Facebook at "Wonder Lanes Bowling Alley."