For my birthday, with lockdowns and distancing and nothing inside to do, we decided to venture up to Central Park and bowl a few ends at the New York Lawn Bowling Club! And it was an absolute delight to be out on the green, throwing some ends, and making new friends… so much so that we're now members!
If you're looking for something to do to get out of your apartment through the spring, summer, and fall months and into the wide-open spaces then you should check out the New York Lawn Bowling Club. You can become a member, or come along for an open day if you fancy seeing the space!
What is lawn bowls
A picture speaks a thousand words and I think you might recognize it from this:
Lawn bowls is the game that's like curling, but on grass basically where you roll heavy bowls which have a bias (are weighted on one side) towards a little jack and whoever gets closest gets points!
It's especially popular in Australia and other Commonwealth countries and is actually a part of the Commonwealth Games! It's very good fun and most importantly right now can be enjoyed at a distance from each other (with a drink in your hand too).
The New York Lawn Bowling Club
I bet a lot of you reading didn't even know that New York HAD a lawn bowling club, let alone that it was just North of Sheep's Meadow in Central Park!
Here's what they have to say:
Our mission is to promote and encourage New Yorkers to participate in the sport of lawn bowling within our city, nationally and internationally.
Central Park is for the people.We share the Park Conservancy's commitment to deepen community engagement with the Park and cultivate appreciation through personal, meaningful, and memorable experiences. With that spirit, the New York Lawn Bowling Club is pleased to provide free bowling clinics to New York City clinics, schools, and non-profit groups.
They're a wonderful community of members who very kindly guided us for our first few “ends” and really welcomed us into their group as we signed up to be members at the end of the day!
They play social games as well as competitive games if that's the kind of spice you're looking to add to your weekdays and weekends!
They also have a clubhouse right there in Central Park that members have access to!
All in all, just a fantastic group of wonderful people bowling on the lawn!
How to play social lawn bowls in New York City
If you're interested in playing lawn bowls this year, fill in your details below and I can connect you with the club! We'll certainly be back and would love to play a few ends with you!
There's no pressure, and the president will very kindly reach out to chat about what's on offer!
