An abandoned bowling alley that has become nothing but an eyesore for the surrounding Glendale community will finally get fixed up – only this time in the form of a furniture store.
On May 18, 2008, the last pin dropped at Brunswick Woodhaven Lanes, located on 72-25 Woodhaven Boulevard. Due to financial stress, the bowling alley was struck down after 50 years in service, despite the numerous attempts to save it.
Jim Santora, an advocate for the ill-fated lanes stated, “When it first threatened to close, I ran a couple of gatherings to try and save it. Many politicians and newspapers got involved as we tried to negotiate with the owners. We came pretty close to saving it but they decided to go retail. Then the recession hit and we got stuck with an abandoned bowling alley.”
Two years later, Bob’s Discount Furniture finally bought the property and is planning to open up this coming fall.
“After two years, I, as well as the community, had given up hope that it would ever become a bowling alley again. I’m glad they are doing something with it now to clean up the area, but I’m not so sure if we need another furniture store,” Santora said.
Since Woodhaven Lanes closed, bowlers have moved their leagues to other alleys, such as JIB Lanes in the Electchester section of Flushing – but the historic bowling alley has not been forgotten.
Santora said he is currently working alongside the Queens Historical Society to see if they can get a plaque installed in front of the former bowling alley – homage for its many fans.
“Now with new schools popping up in the area, a bowling alley would’ve been a nice place for kids to get together and hang out. It would have been nice for anyone at any age,” Santora said.
