Outdoor bowling

[Bosley]

Thought some of you might get a kick out of this. Couple years ago me and the misses came up with an idea to build an outdoor bowling lane. After a few "pops" and some sketch's we came up with this. 70' in length so not regulation but the ball returns work well and the pin setter works by pulling on the handle with a long rope attached. We have LED strip lights in the house for night bowling and is close to the firepit. We have 4 different weight 10 pin balls and 6X5 pin balls for the senior ladies (mom and aunts) lol. Just alot of fun. We also have a permanent outdoor movie theater area but will leave that for another discussion. This pic is when we were near completion.

 

[Arizonarob]

Ok MacGyver, you two need to put down the “pops”, and step away from your power tools!

Looks cool though, like it belongs on Gilligan’s Island.

 

[kimkats]

LOVE IT! I meant to ask you about it when I noticed it on your pic but forgot! If you have seen many of my posts then you know what is coming next! Many questions!!! Ready???

-How does the ball return work? I am guessing you graded it so the gravity will do that work for you.
-How do you keep the ball from coming off the line on the close side?
-more on the pin reset please!
-what is the lane made of? I am thinking plywood but am not sure.

So what else have you two come up with while drinking "pops"?

Kim

 

[Bosley]

LOVE IT! I meant to ask you about it when I noticed it on your pic but forgot! If you have seen many of my posts then you know what is coming next! Many questions!!! Ready???

-How does the ball return work? I am guessing you graded it so the gravity will do that work for you.
exactly. Its all Gravity.

-How do you keep the ball from coming off the line on the close side?
The ball returns also act like gutters

-more on the pin reset please!
We drilled holes in the tops of the pins and inserted ropes into each, then attached all those to one main line which goes through a couple pullys. a 10 yr old can reset the pins. Quite easy. I guess its more like candle pin bowling.

-what is the lane made of? I am thinking plywood but am not sure.
You got it. 5/8 T&G plywood. been 2 full winters and is has barley warped. lol i spend about an hour in the spring re leveling.

So what else have you two come up with while drinking "pops"?
we have had lots of ideas but only have 2 acres so cant do them all.. The outdoor movie theater works well. The pool is the best one though!

Kim

 

[RMcGirr83]

Most people consider "lawn bowling" bocce.

Looks pretty cool (my wife would kill me even if she was involved).

 

[kimkats]

With the tools or throwing the ball and it hitting you??? LOL Oh and would be it be before or after having the "pops"??? hehe