Final frame: Kitchener bowling alley closing after 64 years

A Kitchener landmark is closing its doors after 64 years in the community.

Sunday is the last day of play at Towne Bowl, at the corner of King Street East and Ottawa Street North.

“It’s a part of history,” said Darlene Zettel. “It’s a part of our lives.”

The family-operated business posted news of its closing back in August.

“We are sad to announce that after 64 years, Towne Bowl will be closing,” they said on Facebook. “We have made lifelong friendships over the years, and we will seeing everyone on the daily. Thank you for your dedication to not only us, but the sport of 5-pin bowling.”

Towne Bowl in Kitchener on Nov. 5, 2023.

Bowlers, who stopped by Sunday to say farewell, said they’ll always have fond memories of Towne Bowl.

“I announced that I was pregnant here,” Amanda Trask told CTV News.

Zettel and Kevin Gregg said bowling has played an important role in their relationship.

“We both were in [Youth Bowling Canada] when we were about 11 of 12-years-old, on the same team,” recalled Zettel. “That’s when we first met, went to high school together. Fifty years later, we’re together.”

“There’s a lot of memories,” admitted owner Jim Witmer. “I can just sit and it all comes back to me, all the people that I’ve met over the years.”

Witmer was first hired as Towne Bowl’s pin setter engineer in 1961.

Seventeen years later, he decided to buy the place.

“I was the owner from 1978 to 1998,” Witmer said. “Then my son came along and he’s been my partner ever since. Now his son Brett has also been working at the bowling alley.”

Towne Bowl owner Jim Witmer on Nov. 5, 2023.

The family accepted an offer to sell the property and so the bowling alley is closing for good on Dec. 20.

“It’s sad but - I don’t know if I want to say it or not,” said Witmer. “The property becomes more valuable for other things.”

“It’s really sad to see this place close down,” said Trask. “It’s become like a family here and it feels like home in a sense.”

Witmer isn’t sure what will happen to the building once the buyers take it over but said he’ll never forget the memories he has at Towne Bowl.

“We’ve done national tournaments, we’ve done provincial tournaments, and it’s all been just a great time.”

The end of era for strikes, spares and good times.