Beverly Lanes Readies for 60th Anniversary
Beverly Lanes not the first bowling facility in Arlington Heights. When it opened in August 1955 there was an existing center downtown with 6 lanes on Vail Street named Arlington Lanes.
But the new center, locate3d at 8 S. Beverly, was decidedly state of the art, featuring automatic pinsetting machines, underground bowl returns as well as a mid-20th century version of air conditioning. What a cool place for a rapidly growing town of about 15,000 residents to play, plucking down about 30 cents per game for the privilege.
You can't beat that price today except on Thursday Aug. 20 from 4 to 10 p.m. when all games and shoe rental will be free during an open house recognizing the 60th anniversary of Beverly Lanes. The open house promotion will kick-off a celebratory weekend as the center hosts its annual Professional Bowlers Association regional tournament the next three days.
The May 2015 issue of Bowlers Journal International gave the following review of Beverly Lanes in an article entitled "Breezing Through the Windy City":
"Sitting on a side street off Kensington Road in Arlington Heights, Beverly Lanes can be tough to find but it's worth the effort. Beverly was one of the first to launch a Sport Bowling league, and has also hosted a number of regional PBA events. Bowling legend Les Zikes has been the proprietor since 1979. He'll probably be there to greet you when you stop by."
Indeed, after 60 years, all the original equipment has been replaced and/or upgraded while automatic scoring monitors have been installed and bumper rails are available if desired. All of that is designed to enhance the bowling experience because the business focus at Beverly Lanes is on the sport. Patrons may visit a small (6 games) arcade area, order a pizza or buy something from the bar, but 95% of those who walk through the doors do so with the primary intention of knocking down bowling pins or enjoy watching somebody who is.
There aren't many locations where such a blend between the community, a sport and a business are so favorably entrenched. Proudly, Beverly Lanes is such a place.