Bowling alley nearing completion

Now that the majority of restoration and remodelling work on the bowling alley is completed, Ray Morgan and his work crews are working at a feverish pace to open the doors of Freedom Lanes.

Area bowlers can look forward to being able to enjoy their sport in Mountain Home again and many have noted they are anxiously waiting for the opening date to be announced for the bowling lanes at 830 N. 2nd East St.

Ray Morgan purchased the facility this past summer and he and a crew of workers have spent long hours restoring the bowling alley that had been badly damaged by fire in 2000.

A 1983 graduate of Mountain Home High School, Morgan returned to the community this year after retiring from the Navy. Now the father of a teenage daughter, Morgan was eager to have her grow up in his hometown. But he soon became aware there were few opportunities for family entertainment and set out to remedy the situation.

Although Morgan is not yet ready to announce an opening date for Freedom Lanes, he hopes it will be soon.

The once sooty and fire-debris filled facility has been transformed. Bright red seats, white textured walls and blue carpeting in the lobby area reflect the patriotic colors that give the bowling alley its name of Freedom Lanes. Murals, featuring stars, planets and even the space shuttle, by local artist Randy Miller travel down the lanes bringing a sense of the vastness and freedom of outer space.

Mean Gene's Pizza, along with other hot snack foods will come from the new kitchen area. The separate enclosed lounge area will provide adults an opportunity to purchase mixed drinks as well as beer.

Freedom Lanes also features a game arcade area to provide diverse family entertainment.

Morgan is excited about the prospect of opening the doors of the new bowling alley. "I am hoping we can open soon, but I can't give anyone a firm date yet. We still have a few things to do before it is ready for the public."