As the South Burnaby Lawn Bowling Club celebrates its 100th anniversary this summer, the facility still remains one of the city’s hidden gems.
“The times that I have talked to people, I’m just shocked. They’ve grown up here their whole life and have no idea that this club’s here,” says longtime member Freda Jenkins. “That is really interesting.”
Located in Central Park in the 4000 block area of Kingsway, at Inman Avenue, the club boasts a manicured bowling green and a facility that’s used to host events, parties and tournaments.
The objective of the sport, which is similar to bocce, is to roll weighted bowls closest to the “jack,” a small white ball. The game can be played in teams and can last up to two hours. Like curling, there’s a skip at the other end indicating where the bowl needs to go.
“It’s fun and you’re outside getting exercise,” says Jenkins. “The social aspect of this club is really big. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that say this is like their family now.”
With more than 100 members, the club is made up of mostly seniors, she adds, but staff are always trying to attract the younger generation.
“It’s hard to get the interest of the young people because they have so many other outside activities,” says lawn bowling coach Brian Ronaldson.
Ronaldson notes that unlike hockey or lacrosse, lawn bowling is a non-contact sport that is inexpensive. The introductory membership fee is $95, and includes lessons, a locker and permission to use the club’s bowls free of charge for the first year. It costs $175 every year after that.
“The only thing you need is a pair of shoes that have a flat sole,” he says.
“That’s just so you don’t make a mess of the greens,” Jenkins chimes in.
The lawn bowling club had its start in 1911 but formally organized in 1915 as the Jubilee Bowling Club, according to a newspaper article from 1919. A dinner program from the City of Burnaby Archives suggests the club was established in 1917.
“On the 29th of November 1916, the members of the Central Park Club made a request verbally for the privilege of making a temporary green at their own expense on a plan prepared by Mr. T. Adams. The parks board agreed to grant this privilege, and in February 1917 ratified the same,” reads the program, which was handed out during a dinner that celebrated the club’s 60th anniversary.
One of the differences between then and now is the clothing.
Back then, women donned a long skirt (often with a wide belt), a long-sleeved white blouse with a high collar, dark stockings and a large brimmed hat.
Men dressed in knickers or long pants, a white shirt with suspenders and had a tweed jacket over top. It wasn’t unusual for them to wear a bowtie and a flat cap.
“I guess that’s how things were 100 years ago, you know,” laughs Jenkins, adding players today wear all white for special events and casual clothing any other time of the week. On Canada Day, members will be dressed in red and white.
The current Confederation Park facility, which is owned by the City of Burnaby, opened on April 7, 2001.
The club will be hosting a 100th anniversary bash on July 2. Members have been invited to wear traditional attire to mark the occasion.
To learn more, visit southburnabylawnbowlingclub.ca.
