POCOMOKE CITY, Md.- The 16 wooden bowling lanes at Eastern Shore Lanes in Pocomoke City, Maryland, are being replaced with a new synthetic material.
The owner, Tommy Fitzpatrick, says it's been a long time coming.
"Well, it's time. The lanes have reached their life's end and we're looking at the best way to make our customers happy," said Fitzpatrick.
They haven't been replaced since the '60s.
Fitzpatrick says this was one of the last wood centers in the State of Maryland.
He no longer wants to fill those shoes.
While Fitzpatrick says putting a pin in the old lanes could cause some to lose nostalgia, it's welcome news for others.
"I think the majority of the customers are going to like the synthetic lanes and feel it's an improvement, but there are going to be some of the old guard out there that are going to miss the wood," said Fitzpatrick.
Jay Cathcart frequents the lanes two or three times a week and says the new ones will add to the enjoyment he feels when he comes in.
"It's always fun. Never a dull moment. It's always fun. Great people," said Cathcart.
The place was originally opened in 1961 as Colony Lanes. Fitzpatrick bought it in 1986 and never looked back.
"This is my 50th year in this center and they know that I put my whole life into it. I think people understand that and appreciate that," said Fitzpatrick.
The wooden lanes will be donated to a theater in Berlin to be part of a performance stage.
Fitzpatrick says they are set to be in place by Saturday, October 21st in Pocomoke.