Cochrane Lanes have been able to roll out its first step towards the return to bowling in Cochrane.

"What we can do is essentially a private booking," explains Dwayne LaMontagne, of Cochrane Lanes. "We can have one household using the facility at a time. We are going to look into opening the golf simulator so we can have one group on one side and family bowling on the other. Right now, it has to be households only."

Last weekend, bowlers were anxious for the chance to rack up strikes and spares, while attempting to avoid headpins, splits, and gutter balls. Regardless of the score, the bottom line was family fun.

"Over the weekend, we had families here pretty well the entire time we were open. People were excited about getting back, getting in and doing something outside of their home, and just having fun with the family."

Because everyone is from the same household, no masks are required when bowling. Masks are required when they return to the common area. Hot food and snacks are available for purchase.

He says their staff is strictly adhering to health regulations to keep everyone safe.

To book a time slot, email cochranelanes@hotmail.com or phone 403-932-5280.

If health restrictions ease, he says they may offer a small spring or summer league.

Bowling is primarily a winter sport, and COVID-19 has played havoc with local leagues.

"Hopefully, we can open up full out next September and have our full leagues operating as they have for the past 17 years.

COVID-19 has been hard on sports, but it has also left people longing to return to entertainment centres, like the Cochrane Movie House. 

Like Cochrane Lanes, they're accepting bookings for private family movie nights to enjoy your favourite DVDs or Blu-rays on the big screen.