Community
3 July, 2024
Mount Isa families hope to spark a revival of ten-pin bowling
The team at O-Pin Bowling is trying to revitalise the indoor centre.
They say to never judge a book by its cover and that’s probably good advice for those going to Mount Isa’s ten-pin bowling alley, too.
A little tired on the outside, the once-bustling indoor venue could definitely use a coat of paint.
But inside, there’s a real sense of enthusiasm and energy from the owner/operators, who want to revive the sport in the city and make it one of Mount Isa’s premium venues.
“We want it to become the go-to place for family entertainment,” said Chloe Smith, who has been working on and off at the lanes for a decade, and last year bought the business with her husband Leslie, sister-in-law Tara Smith, and Tara’s partner Steven Milligan.
“The previous owner Terry was looking to close it down and we didn’t want to see that happen. We were going to use the bowling association to take over but we decided to do it.”
Chloe said she was aware that a lot of work was needed to restore the ten-pin bowling alley, now called O-Pin Bowling, but assured locals that plans were in place.
“One of the big issues has been the pin-setting machines and we just acquired a whole new – well re-furbished – set from Atherton,” she said.
“We’re hoping those will be installed soon which should open all of the lanes and lead to fewer breakdowns.”
Open six days a week, the family-run business has proven popular with locals in Pioneer, with the kitchen providing a much-needed food outlet in the neighbourhood.
“The kitchen has been the thing that’s kept us going while we get the bowling back to where we want it to be,” Chloe said.
“We get great support from the locals who would otherwise have to walk into town or get a taxi if they wanted something to eat.”
Enjoying a spike during the school holidays, O-Pin Bowling says it caters for birthday parties, work functions and still hosts league events.