$1M North Lanes renovation near completion Published Sept. 12, 2019 By Airman 1st Class Madeleine E. Jinks 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – A near-complete $1 million remodel of the North Bowling Lanes at Sheppard AFB will create a lounge-style feel and a getaway for Airmen and others looking to bowl a few frames or just hang out.The North Bowling Lanes will re-open in October 2019 with what Buddy Trivette, North Bowling Lanes manager, describes as some much needed renovations.“It was built in 1962, I started working here in 1982 and this is my first time seeing major improvements made to the interior,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.”Some of the improvements to the bowling lanes include a fresh paint job, new glow-in-the-dark side panels, scoring consoles and 55-inch scoring monitors.Other changes include new flooring, tables, counters and kitchen appliances. New kitchen appliances means changes to the snack bar menu.Mozzarella sticks and hot wings will now be cooked in an air fryer as opposed to fried in grease to make it a healthier option.While all the changes are positive, Trivette said the thing he is most looking forward to is the change of vibe in the facility.“We will be adding couches and furniture, which I’m hoping makes it a more comfortable place,” he said. “I think it will give it a lounge type of feel, making it a bit of a get-away for the Airmen. Somewhere they can go to bowl, hang out with their friends and have a good time.”To make the bowling lanes inclusive for senior or handicapped bowlers, the step from carpet-to-bowling flooring was removed and made a flat surface so the lanes are easily and safely accessible.Jeff Guitierrez, 82nd Force Support Squadron chief of community service, said the remodel is part of their priority in making an inclusive community.“On this base we have a lot of duplicity. We have a Sheppard Club and an Airman’s Club. We have two bowling alleys,” he said. “So for us to have invested in our primarily permanent party location, the South Bowling Lanes in 2016, and now to show that we are taking similar strides in the primarily Airmen in training population location, the North Bowling Lanes, is really important to properly service both sides of the base.”