The Barometer Online

On May 25, the Memorial Union Board of Directors held a meeting to hear from MU Basement student employees who were concerned about the fate of the bowling lanes in the campus recreation center.

As a result, the lanes are under a year-long trial period with some new modifications to management and strategies to get bowlers back at the lanes.

In recent months, the Basement has seen vandalism, low participant numbers and low income, which initially led to a suggestion by the MU board to close the lanes and find something else to take their place.

However, the student group proposed a plan under the terms of new management, which was agreed to prior to the May 25 MU board meeting.

Under the new plan, the existing graduate teaching assistant manager would be replaced by an undergraduate student manager position who would report directly to the MU director, according to an MU board press release.

The Basement would also cut its operating hours by two hours each day, with the doors opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. according to Eric Pitkanen, a member of the student group.

The student group also proposed that an official bowling league be introduced, which the group says may bring in an additional $9,000 per year.

With all the changes in effect, the student group said the Basement may bring in a positive return of more than $15,000 per year.

Dan Miller, the Memorial Union Program Council's vice president, appeared impressed with the students' new plan and determination.

"They got this great idea - they cared about the space," he said.

"What's the worst we could lose?" he said of keeping the lanes for the trial period.

Miller added, "if those numbers hold true, it looks to be a viable option."

Pitkanen acknowledged the challenges associated with making the lanes appeal to a general audience. Their first approach in doing this he says is to "go back to an old, nostalgic look."

Pitkanen also hopes to strategically reach out to a broader demographic, stating that he will "start with incoming freshmen and go from there."

In an effort to highlight the need for bowling, Pitkanen touched on a simple essence. "It's a good way to come out and do something," he said.

The lanes will continue to be open over the summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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