Arnprior’s bowling alley is not letting a big opportunity turn into a gutterball.
Co-owners Alicia and Matthew Ott say that the restoration of Steelheads and Strikes is being bumped up to this month, so it can still be the focus of a popular renovation-based television show.
The renovation of the decades-old former Arnprior Bowling Centre is a mostly self-funded project, and the Ott’s explain that the sudden change in schedule has left them to scramble in order to raise the needed funds to “really knock it out of the park.”
The situation has opened up some interesting opportunities for the community to plan their next big celebration at the Steelheads and Strikes, as well as the chance to be part of a special group of people recognized for their contribution.
You can find those packages for purchase right now through the website of their other business, Bee Savvy Fine Foods. You can also help by spreading the word, or donating to a gofundme page set up by their friends in the community.
A big reason the Ott’s bought the place was to keep it alive for the many community groups and members who rely on it for entertainment. However, they also fell in love with the unique architecture that was put into its creation.
Steelheads and Strikes has closed down for the next five weeks as the major components of the renovation get underway. Filming will start on August 20th, and some wrap-up work will happen in the fall ahead of another filming session expected in November.
One special job that was being worked on in the lead-up was the original bowling lanes from the 1930’s being stripped and sanded in preparation of them becoming a new bar countertop, tables, and decorative pieces.
(written by Kasey Egan)
