Mystic Lanes re-opened after a brief hiatus during a change in ownership. Monday, August 22nd Devin Broerman and his wife Michelle opened the doors to the bowling alley located at 2571 4th St. SE in Mason City to show off many changes. Story by Bridgett Hauert.|Story by Bridgett Hauert
Mystic Lanes re-opened after a brief hiatus during a change in ownership. Monday, August 22nd Devin Broerman and his wife Michelle opened the doors to the bowling alley located at 2571 4th St. SE in Mason City to show off many changes.
Since July 15th of this year there has been non-stop work going on to make several improvements (see photo, right, of work being done) that can be appreciated by the once in awhile bowler to the most avid league player.
– New seating and tables
– Colored LED lights running down the lanes
– New pop-up bumpers and ramps for children and special-needs bowlers
– Masking units with graphics
Lastly, the most noticeable will be the ball return system. Before the balls were returned to players over the playing surface causing disruption to neighboring bowlers and a tripping hazard. Now the balls will be returned to the players on a track hidden by the floor which required jackhammers and the pouring of concrete. According to Devin, the business being able to open after so many drastic improvements is due to many volunteers working tirelessly. Friends, family, regular bowlers and people he never would have expected have offered up their time so that there can be as many as six to eight people working as long as fourteen hour days. In October they will be laying state of the art, high-scoring synthetic lane material that is much more durable than the traditional wooden lanes. Installation should take less than a week.
The bar and kitchen will also be open and ran by Michelle. Freshly made pizzas, traditional fried appetizers and burgers will be offered. Even Devin and Michelle’s teenaged daughters are pitching in. Their oldest, Rebecca was the top scoring freshman last year in the state as a varsity letter player on her school’s bowling team. Zoe is much more interested in the business side of things including designing merchandise; her friends are even welcome to make suggestions; after all, it needs to be a place where people are comfortable having their kids hang-out
The main goal for the family owned business is to provide extraordinary customer service in a clean place so peole leave having had a positive experience . Ten years ago, when the Broermans operated the bowling alley in Dumont much of their success was attributed to providing great group entertainment for youth groups, church groups and birthday parties where the guest of honor leaves with a pin signed by all in attendance. Adult bowling leagues are a big draw as well. Since the changeover membership has already increased by nearly thirty participants. “We want people to feel welcome”, said Devin.
Tentatively hours are set daily from 3 to 11p.m., Saturday 9a.m.-1 or 2 a.m. And Sunday opening at 11 a.m.. For more information call 641-423-4375 and for before & after pictures and other information people are encouraged to visit the Mystic Lanes FaceBook page.
