Phased re-openings include gyms and bowling alleys

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- The Commonwealth continues to open in phases, meaning once quiet places like the Southern Lanes Bowling Alley in Bowling Green can once again get the ball rolling.

The sound of a ball rolling down the lane and striking the pins is music to the ears of Demi Litton, the bowling alley’s marketing director.

“I just miss being around people. I’ve been here every day for the past two and a half months and it’s just been quiet and weird. It’s been different,” Litton said.

As with all re-openings, Southern Lanes is following guidelines such as enforcing social distancing, placing sanitizing stations throughout the building and making use of just a few of the lanes.

“We want people to have fun, but we want them to stay healthy as well. As long as you can stay healthy and have fun at the same time, we’re all for it,” Litten said.

When it comes to local gyms like the Bowling Green Athletic Club, a big weight has been lifted off the shoulders of the staff who have missed seeing the gym full.

“We’re very excited to be able to re-open the doors. It’s been a long wait. We have a few new changes, but we’re very happy to be here,” said Bowling Green Athletic Club fitness director Christina Caron.

Changes like limiting workouts to one hour or less. Equipment is now more spaced out, and some amenities like the classrooms and basketball courts are closed for the time being. Yet, the staff say they’re happy to see members coming back to their pre-pandemic workout plans.

“It’s been nothing but good things. They can’t see us smiling behind our masks, but we’re very happy to see them as well,” Caron said.

As part of the June 1 re-opening phase, aquatic centers throughout the state have also been given the option to open.