News Search

Dyess Lanes closes for major renovations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess Lanes will close July 9, but not for long - the three-quarters of a million dollar remodeling will be showcased when it re-opens in late August. 

Major renovations will include a new snack bar/food counter, a party/meeting room, and new paint, carpet, and furniture, among other things. 

Wayne Roach, the bowling center manager and a retired technical sergeant from MWR, said the current facility needed more than a facelift - the current food preparation area has been largely the same since it was built in the 1960s. 

"We want to present the Dyess community with an environment no other facility can mirror," said Alice Fournier, 7th Services Squadron business flight chief. "Because recreation costs are low for Airmen, a lot of base morale, welfare and recreation offices aren't able to generate the kind of income necessary to do heavy renovations. Headquarters Air Combat Command ponied up to help, and what we're planning to do to the bowling center will be absolutely phenomenal." 

Mr. Roach said the new-themed menu will be the main attraction - the "Deadwood Cafe" is what it'll be called, and it'll be a better place for Airmen to kick back and relax. 

"It's important for Airmen to be able to unwind after work without breaking the bank," he said. 

The lanes were actually renovated in November with state-of the-art computerized scoring systems, he said, and wireless internet was installed in April. 

"Soon we'll install plasma T.V. screens to the kids' room to show cartoons ... and when commanders need a place to meet in smaller groups, they'll be able to use the room and the equipment as well," he said. 

They hired a bowling designer to ensure all of the renovations will be 100 percent serviceable and effective to the needs of the community, he said. 

"We want to provide an area for military servicemembers and their families to get away from work, relieve stress, and socialize," Mrs. Fournier said. "As our commander (Lt. Col. Andreas Walsh) says, 'Regenerating Airmen and their families increase(es) combat capability for America.'"