During the first of this week 183 Lanes in Stockton was closed so the bowling lanes and approaches could be resurfaced. The process has several different phases, with the first phase the sanding of the wooden lanes. Depending on how many lanes need to be sanded, the work takes up to one or two days using machines that resemble either a large riding or push lawnmower. The large machines work on the lanes, while the small machine takes care of the approaches. Vacuum bags are attached so the dust from the sanding is minimal.

Once the entire surface has been sanded, it is thoroughly checked out so the alleys are completely level. The coloring and marks on the lanes are then laid back out. Sometimes boards have to be replaced during this phase with the round marks at the front of the alleys drilled out and replaced, if needed. Next, the base coat of polyurethane is put on so it can cure for three to four hours. The topcoat is the next step, and it takes approximately 24 hours to dry. But that doesn’t mean anyone can walk on the area since a total of 72 hours is needed for the clear coat to totally cure.

Owners Dixie and Bill Dibble said the last time this type of resurfacing was done was in 2009, though a quick covering was completed the second year they took over as the owners.

Rich Altman, Bryan Selters, Jared Strong and Terry Bailey were the crew from Jayhawk Bowling Supply in Law-rence who did the meticulous refinishing work. Bailey stated, “There are not a lot of wood lanes left in the state because most of the bowling alleys have gone to synthetic lanes.” 183 Lanes opened in Stockton in the fall of 1965 and has been going strong ever since as a fun, family and friendly sport everyone can enjoy.

(183 Lanes will be open this Saturday, June 19th for their regular lunch and dinner hours, but will be closed for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 20. Then it will be back to its regular restaurant hours for the summer with no bowling until the end of August to give the lanes plenty of time to cure before the fall/winter bowling leagues and regular family bowling start up again.)

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