SAN DIEGO, CA (KGTV) -- While many sports have made their return during the COVID-19 pandemic, bowling alleys have remained closed.
The Mira Mesa Lanes have been a very important part of the Mira Mesa community for years. The bowling alley off Mira Mesa Boulevard has been known for their special needs and senior leagues, and as a spot for youth bowlers to enjoy the game with family and friends.
Those who love the Lanes hope it has not seen its last strike.
"They have probably the biggest, or the second biggest, youth program in the state. We also have a couple of national champions that bowl there," said Marci Greim, who has started a "Save Mira Mesa Lanes" GoFundMe page.
Greim, a mother of two young bowlers, said Mira Mesa Lanes has always been a big advocate of college.
"The kids, just by participating in leagues, have a portion of their dues set aside for college scholarship money. Then, when the kids do well in tournaments, or other things like that, they are earning college scholarship money. Mira Mesa Lanes has just always welcomed the youth bowlers,” said Greim.
Mira Mesa Lanes shut down on March 16 due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. They reopened for a few weeks in June, but state restrictions forced them to shut down once again.
The alley has been closed ever since.
"So, they are really on the brink," said Greim. "They are already behind on their rent and it's looking pretty bleak."
The GoFundMe page was organized to help Mira Mesa Lanes pay their rent while the alley sits in limbo amid the pandemic.
“It’s to help them survive long enough to not be closed permanently,” said Greim.
