(Story by Rod Zook)
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Developers of the proposed new entertainment center at 23 rd & Lorraine claim they will build a facility like no other in a city the size of Hutchinson.
County Commissioner Brad Dillon who is also an investor in the center was before the Hutchinson City Council giving them a full preview of what to expect. He says they hope to begin dirt work this month with hopes of opening the bowling alley and restaurant in about a year.
The alley as it will be called will provide 20-lanes of bowling with six more private lanes for parties. It will also include lazier tag, air ride bumper cars and an arcade geared to kids 12 and under. There will be many things different from the old bowling alley.
One of the major ones will be the 6-private lanes which can be used for parties and private functions. If a party is held, a full time assistant will be there to cater to that group alone. Secondly, the lanes will be rented by the hour and not by each game meaning times can be reserved for an alley and that a customer will know when they are available.
But, the biggest change they hope will attract more bowlers is when they will have leagues. They say they will be much shorter then the traditional nine month long seasons. They want various leagues, such as a church league, senior league and morning leagues. They also hope to stay open for late night bowling for the college students.
The center has an acre of land in reserve in which they hope to open a miniature golf course or a go-cart track at some point in the future.