By BEN OLSON/for The Herald — Residents of Oakridge are seeing the return of a cultural and recreational mainstay that entertained several generations of locals since its opening in 1958. After 12 years of inactivity, Willamette Lanes on Highway 58 is once again open for business. New owner and manager, Ben Ward, is hoping to make the lanes a hub for wholesome indoor recreation.
Work was soon to start
While visiting his parents here in Oakridge in 2020, Ben saw the “for sale” sign. Soon, negotiations began with the purchase happening in October of that year. It was not a turnkey operation, by any means. After being closed all those years, many repairs were needed for both the building and the lanes themselves.
Friend and business partner Justin Stokes has been hands-on with building and machinery repairs. On Top Construction of Oakridge was instrumental in getting the building refurbished. A lot of bowling equipment was purchased from Kellogg Bowl in Milwaukie, Oregon. Kellogg Bowl permanently closed due to the covid pandemic. Burt Bullman, former owner of the lanes, was most helpful in providing instructions on how all of the machinery and equipment for pin setting and scoring could be made operational and then maintained.
Established hours coming soon
Although the hours have been a little sporadic to start with, things are falling into place for food and beverage sales, regular operating hours and the return of league bowling. Ryan Pearse and Diana Alcantara, owners of the Herbin’ Crust Pizza, will be operating the food concession. Having food available will allow the liquor license to be activated. By the first part of March, Ben is hoping to be open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon until 10 p.m.
Willamette Lanes has 8 lanes and all the necessary equipment you need to stop in and bowl a few lines. There is also a great selection of pinball machines and other arcade games. The facility is available to rent out for private parties. Make a point of dropping in at the Willamette Lanes and meeting Ben and checking out all the improvements. For information on hours or booking availability, text or call Ben at 541 643 6626.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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