Centers cater to bowlers of all ages and levels

• Allen’s Crosley Lanes, 42 synthetic lanes, 2400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, 360-693-4789. Web site: http://www.crosleylanes.com.

• Bailey’s Classic Lanes, eight wood lanes, 11605 S.E. McGillivray, Vancouver, inside the Elks Lodge, 360-882-6921.

• Big Al’s, 42 synthetic lanes, 16615 S.E. 18th St., Vancouver, 360-944-6118. Web site: http://www.ilovebigals.com.

• Husted’s Hazel Dell Lanes, 24 synthetic lanes, 6300 N.E. Highway 99, Hazel Dell, 360-694-8364. Web site: http://www.hazeldelllanes.net.

• Tiger Bowl, 10 wood lanes, 211 N. Parkway Ave, Battle Ground, 360-687-2101.

• Clark County United States Bowling Congress, which governs league bowling and sanctioned tournaments, 2101 E. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 103, Vancouver, 360-694-6348.

Clark County bowling centers offer a variety of challenges and experiences for both dedicated competitors and those who enjoy the occasional social game.

From a 4-year-old bowling and entertainment center in east Vancouver to the long-established 10-lane center in Battle Ground, bowlers can line up for fun, serious league, tournaments, even high school competitions.

With five bowling centers and more than 70 fall and winter leagues, there are plenty of opportunities for bowlers to get their fix in Clark County.

The sport side of the industry continues to be impacted by the economic downturn, according to Ron Walker, association manager for the Clark County chapter of the United States Bowling Congress. The USBC is the governing body for league and tournament amateur bowling.

Walker’s organization oversees sanctioned leagues in Clark County. He said there are about 2,850 registered bowlers in Clark County for the 2010-11 season. That’s a decrease of about seven percent from the previous year, a drop Walker said likely reflects the economic times.

League bowlers pay weekly league fees that include the bowling center’s fee, the prize fund if there is one, and pay for the league secretary. To participate in sanctioned leagues, bowlers must pay a $20 annual membership fee to the USBC. The Clark County USBC chapter offers $16 annual memberships to bowlers who participate only in leagues for seniors.

The membership dues go to cover chapter operations, and provide awards for bowlers who achieve honor scores such as 300 games or high series scores.

In addition to sanctioning local league play, the local USBC chapter stages a variety of countywide tournaments.

Big Al’s, in east Vancouver, helped change the face of bowling in Clark County when it opened in September 2006. The 60,000-square-foot center includes an arcade and a sports bar, along with a 30-lane traditional bowling area. An additional 12 lanes are separated for use by private groups.

While Big Al’s is the newest center in the area, Crosley Lanes recently underwent significant renovation, and Hazel Dell Lanes changed owners, with pro bowler Dave Husted buying the business in 2008.

Tiger Bowl in Battle Ground and Bailey’s Classic Lanes at the Vancouver Elks Lodge are smaller centers with challenging wood lanes. Tiger Bowl resurfaced its lanes in 2010.

The addition three years ago of girls bowling as a sanctioned high school sport in Washington has also helped increase interest in the game, Walker said.

“High school girls bowling has been a salvation” for the bowling centers, Walker said, explaining that it has brought in new bowlers and their families.

A ban on smoking in public places went into effect in December 2005, initially creating a downturn in the number of bowlers. Walker said that downturn was erased in less than a year.