KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Story by Jill Dutton | Photos by Sarah Reeves

John Wills, Agent 6339 Long ste A Shawnee, KS 66216 Business: 913-631-9007 john@jwills.net

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Preschool • All Day Child Care Preschool • All Day Child Care Certified Teachers • 12 months to Kindergarten Certified Teachers • 12 months to Kindergarten

Little Learners Early Childhood Center offers children the Little Learners Early Childhood Center offers children the opportunity to explore, create, and imagine while they develop opportunity to explore, create, and imagine while they develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. These opportunities take place in a safe, nurturing environment These opportunities take place in a safe, nurturing environment under the guidance of a highly qualified, caring teaching staff. under the guidance of a highly qualified, caring teaching staff.

Located just 15 minutes east of Eudora along the K-10 Corridor. Located just 15 minutes east of Eudora along the K-10 Corridor.

Bowling has a long history as a favorite recreational activity. One of the most popular sports in the world, bowling—or at least a crude form of it—traces back as far as 3200 BC. The game has evolved since then though its popularity remains intact. It’s affordable, almost anyone can play, there’s no need to purchase a lot of equipment, and there’s a social bond that comes from playing a game together.

A few hours at the bowling alley and the world feels right again. Part of the appeal is the physicality of it. It’s a way to spend a few hours with family doing something fun, while also having the chance to sit and connect. It makes sense that a family-owned business would provide this service for other families.

The Park Lanes Family Fun Center has been in business since 1957, and Jason Johannes is the third generation to manage the center. Jason’s grandfather started the business—originally located in Kansas City, Kansas—with two partners. Then in 1977, they purchased a second center. In 1985, the partnership split and each family took over one of the centers. In 1999, the current Park Lanes Family Fun Center in Shawnee was built.

Jason’s grandfather, Ben, passed the business to his son Robert, who then passed it to Jason. He started working at one of the centers when he was about 12 years old. Johannes is currently vice president of the company and says he took over the day-to-day management about 10 years ago. Now his children work for him.

Although bowling has evolved through the years, Johannes says it’s still entertaining—family entertainment especially—and they have players from age 2 to 102.

One aspect that has changed is the ratio of league bowlers to recreational bowlers. “My dad grew up with a high amount of league play. Well, in today’s world, league bowling is actually declining. I mean there are still leagues six days a week, but as far as making the time commitment that goes with league play, many don’t like to commit to a 36-week league. The days where it’s just all leagues, like it used to be back in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s even, it’s not there anymore. It used to be about 90 percent league play and 10 percent open play; now it’s just opposite at about 85 percent open play and 15 percent league play,” Johannes says.

Johannes says that unlike watching a movie as a family, bowling opens up communication and interaction. Plus, the music and the upbeat atmosphere enhance an already fun activity.

Special events such as Rock ‘n Bowl or Cosmic Bowling keep the sport fresh. Cosmic Bowling is a show of laser lights, disco lights, black lights, and runway lights. The music is loud, and the lanes glow in the dark during Glow Bowling events.

While winters are the busiest time at the center, summers are picking up with special programs such as the ‘kids bowl free’ program where youngsters under 15 get to bowl two games every day at no charge.

Birthday parties are a particular draw for younger bowlers. Park Lanes can create the perfect party, with options for bowling,

food, goodie bags, and other selections. Park Lanes also hosts adult parties and corporate events.

Johannes says it’s important to always keep changing and adding new activities. A few years ago, Park Lanes added a VIP room. There, parties have a private room with seven lanes—for up to 42 people to bowl. Couches and high-top tables are available, and four 150-inch projection TVs and multiple flat screens for television, DVDs, or videos provide additional entertainment options. The room, including the bar area, holds nearly 100 people for a special event. With an in-house chef, catering is available for private parties. And it’s not your typical snack foods of corn dogs and burgers (though those are available at the snack bar); catered foods are prepared to order, everything from taco bars, steak or chicken, prime rib to salmon.

The snack bar menus are evolving as well. Although you’ll find plenty of the fried foods you might expect such as fried mushrooms and chicken tenders, you can also order a salad or Asian wrap. The chef is continually working to keep the menu relevant by incorporating gluten-free breads and even a cauliflower crust for the pizzas.

A full bar offers traditional favorites and more, with Jack and Coke or beer as the biggest sellers.

In addition to bowling, the facility provides an arcade with 36 games. Johannes says it’s a popular area: “It’s not huge, but it’s not small either.”

So how has Park Lanes kept bowling fun and inviting? It’s all about the experience. Johannes says a combination of customer service, treating guests like family, cleanliness, new activities, and great food create a positive experience for guests. “The food is really good here,” he says, “especially the burgers and fries.”

Looking to the future, Johannes says he adds “bigger and better” attractions every few years. He is considering adding outdoor activities such as miniature golf. “We just try to keep it fresh. You walk into the place and it doesn’t feel like it’s 21 years old.

“Being a family business, you interact with other families, making them feel like they’re at home so they want to come back. With this being a third-generation business, we’ve been in business a long time—and I plan on carrying that on.”

Park Lanes Family Fun Center is chock-full of fun and games with video and carnival games (above) and with bowling lanes and concessions (page 23). There’s something for everyone!