Permanent closure of last bowling alley in region announced

  •  Updated 

Elk Valley Rancheria has announced the permanent closure of Tsunami Lanes Bowling in Crescent City, the only bowling center along the coast on the 200-mile stretch between McKinleyville. California, and North Bend, Oregon.

The announcement was made July 29 in the form of a letter from Tribal Chairman Dale A. Miller.

The tribe’s ownership of the bowling alley was featured in a 2003 article in the Los Angeles Times, as an example of changes in the community brought about by the success of Elk Valley Casino.

 

“In enriching itself with gambling profits from its secluded casino here, the rancheria is not alone,” the Times reported. “But unlike many California tribes now clashing with non-Indian neighbors over expansion plans, Elk Valley is spreading the wealth.”

Under the tribe’s ownership, the bowling alley got a $2 million face-lift, complete with fog machines and a synchronized strobe and sound system, according to the Times.

More recently, the bowling alley was listed for sale.

Among ads online offering the property for sale is one from Finigan Real Estate describing Tsunami Lanes Bowling Center a 760 L. Street as a 14,848 square foot building on a 1.05 acre lot priced a $799,000. The property is described as a bowling center and sports bar with 16 lanes, locker area, bar/eating area that was completely renovated in 2002 by the current owner.

Since the closure of Azalea Lanes in Brookings, which was located in the building now occupied by Barron’s Home Furnishings, a few years back, Tsunami Lanes has been the only bowling alley in the region.

Miller said the pandemic has affected businesses big and small.

“We were no exception,” he said in a letter announcing the closure.

Not only was the bowling alley impacted by the pandemic, but Elk Valley Casino, which is the source of funding for many tribal endeavors, faced months of closure and loss of business.

“The Tribe has been committed to supporting the business and team members for as long as possible during this difficult time, but unfortunately the time has come that we are unable to continue to do so.”

Anyone with personal items in a locker at the bowling alley is asked to contact Heather Polen at 707-951-5197 by Aug. 31 to schedule a time to collect your belongings.

“We thank the community and all of our bowlers for the years of support and great memories,” Miller said.

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