DUNBAR LAWN BOWLING CLUB

DUNBAR LAWN BOWLING CLUB: Dunbar’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in Memorial Park West, behind the tennis courts and trees, is one of Dunbar’s hidden gems. Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club has been a part of the community since it was founded in 1926, and the clubhouse subsequently opened in 1928. People gather here to lawn bowl and play croquet on the beautifully maintained green.

Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club is a member-funded, not-for-profit society that receives additional support from its valued sponsors.

Carol Guilbault is president of the board. She has been actively involved with Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club since 2016. Like many members, it was a friend who first invited her to give bowls a try. She says, “The sport intrigued me. I am still learning — it’s a friendly and forgiving club.” Soon after, she joined the board and quickly advanced from vice president to president. Carol laughs and says, “It came more quickly than I expected!”

Lawn bowling is a game of precision and tactics rather than strength and speed that is suitable for all ages, from teens to 90+.

All bowlers share a love of the outdoors and an enjoyment of a mildly active sport in a social and relaxed environment. Lawn bowling is one of the few sports that is gentle enough on joints and muscles to play for one’s entire life. Because there is no gender advantage, it is an ideal sport for mixed teams.

Lawn bowling bears some similarities to bocce and curling; however, there are differences. The game is played on smooth, closely mown grass. Unlike a round bocce ball, a lawn bowl is round in only one direction and elliptical in the other, giving it a bias and causing it to curve.

Players take turns rolling bowls as close as possible to a small white ball, known as the jack, which may be up to 110 feet away. You earn a point for every bowl your team has that is closer to the jack than any competitor's bowl. Much like curling, bowls will curve up to six feet down the green, enabling players to thread their way around their opponents' bowls that may be guarding the jack.

You are invited to attend the club’s open house on Saturday, April 23.

The pandemic has been challenging for the club. It opened in late-June 2020 under heavy COVID-19 restrictions. Fees were frozen, some older members didn’t come out, and the number of players on the green had to be significantly reduced. Last season, it opened in July under more normal conditions, albeit with strong measures in place for everyone’s health and safety. The board is looking forward to a return to normal and the opportunity to introduce new members to both lawn bowling and croquet. There are always members available to help new players learn either game.

Both sports are budget-friendly. New members pay only $125 for their first-year membership and for returning members the annual fee is $225. Social memberships (no playing privileges) are $50 and junior memberships (under 18) are $125 annually. The club also collects $2 in green fees for each game day to help defray the costs of maintaining the green.

The only equipment required is a pair of flatsoled, low or no tread shoes and clothing that lets you move and bend comfortably. While you may have seen pictures of players wearing white clothing this attire is reserved for Sunday afternoon matches and competitions. Street clothes are acceptable at all other times. The club has a wide range of bowls and equipment that you can use at no charge, however, most members usually acquire their own set of new or used bowls.

Last year the club introduced lawn bowling for the visually impaired; sighted members are partnered with visually impaired bowlers. Carol mentions, “We got the idea from the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club; they have a very successful blind bowls program. We look forward to seeing our membership grow.”

In addition to the May through September lawn bowling season, croquet is also played on the green at alternate times. Depending on the weather, croquet can continue year-round.

“This isn't the backyard game of croquet you remember from your youth! Imagine a combination of chess and snooker on a large putting green in the middle of a forest and you have croquet at Dunbar,” Carol says.

She recalls a Great Gatsby themed corporate event that was held at Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club. Everyone dressed in white, and they enjoyed the opportunity to try out lawn bowling while raising money for charity.

Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club’s clubhouse and green are available to rent.

A fun-filled game of lawn bowling or croquet is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday party, family reunion, or a corporate team-building event. The clubhouse is used year-round by organizations like the Dunbar Little League, the Vancouver United Football Club, and other groups. It contains a kitchen, and it is available to be booked independently for meetings or for social events. Carol concludes, “Lawn bowling is very recreational and not highly competitive in our club, although some players develop their skills to enter citywide tournaments. It’s a lovely way to pass a summer afternoon, and afterwards, we might end with a barbecue or head over to the Cheese Inn to continue socializing.”

Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club’s open house takes place on Saturday, April 23. It is an opportunity to meet the members, try out lawn bowling and croquet and visit the clubhouse. Families are welcome to attend.

Coaching and an Introduction to Bowls course consisting of three 90-minute sessions will take place the week of April 25 – 29. Details and registration can be found on Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club’s website. Opening day is Sunday, May 1.

Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club 3850 W. 31st Avenue Vancouver, BC V6S 1Y3 Clubhouse phone 604-228-8428 Membership phone 604-263 7317 www.dunbarlawnbowling.com