Forest Hill Lanes Reopens With Safety Measures In Place

FOREST HILL, MD — Bowlers will take to the lanes Friday night as restrictions around bowling alleys are lifted at 5 p.m. across Maryland, including in Forest Hill. Following a state-mandated closure since March due to the coronavirus, Forest Hill Lanes reopened Friday with safety precautions in place.

The bowling alley is requiring online reservations to play this Friday, Saturday and Sunday as it tracks capacity and ensures all systems run smoothly for the reopening.

To protect public health, Forest Hill Lanes has sanitization procedures in place.

"Every lane will be sanitized and disinfected, including seats, floors, bowling balls, scoring keypad and more, between each set of bowlers," Forest Hill Lanes General Manager Ross Miller said in a statement. "Rental shoes, as per our usual practice, will be sanitized between each use."

Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available in every lane so if people want to wipe the ball after every use, they can.

Said Miller: "We’re providing a fun, clean environment for families and friends, to welcome the return of our community."

Based on the governor's order around reopening, bowling alleys may open at 50 percent capacity.

That means 150 people, including staff, could be at Forest Hill Lanes, but because of staffing and safety concerns, officials say the business plans to have no more than 120 people at one time.

"Due to the requirements of social distancing, all open bowling our first open weekend — June 19, 20 & 21 — will be by reservations only — no walk-ins, period," Miller said.

"We are limiting the total number of bowlers and the number of lanes in use,” Miller said. He urged people to use the online reservation function on the Forest Hill Lanes website.

When the bowling alley is operating, Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant will be open.

Tables will be set 6 feet apart, and a protective screen will separate customers and snack bar staff.

This weekend as Forest Hill Lanes reopens, here's what is being offered:

• 5 p.m. to midnight — Friday Night Special; $14 per person
• 8–11 p.m. Saturday — Night Strike Saturday; $15 per person
• 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Sunday Morning Special; $40 per lane
• 6:30–8:30 p.m. — Sunday Night Special; $14 per person
• 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday — Open play

See more about summer hours, online reservations, special offers, leagues and more at Forest Hill Lanes. Summer bowling leagues for adults will start the week of June 29.

Forest Hill Lanes, located at 1 Maurice Drive in Forest Hill, opened at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.