By David Haerle

The Daily World

Despite stringent state-mandated guidelines, a couple of local bowling centers have re-opened, though on a somewhat-limited basis.

Rainier Lanes in Aberdeen and Shores Bowl in Ocean Shores are among 20 bowling centers in Western Washington that have re-opened.

Under the latest — and extensive — state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions, local lanes are opening at 25% capacity, coupled with sanitation and social distancing safeguards and masking requirements.

“There are a lot of restrictions — 25% capacity doesn’t make a lot of hay, but it’s better than being shut down,” said Rob Shaver, owner of Rainier Lanes and Shores Bowl.

Shaver said the somewhat “fluid” guidelines make operating at pre-pandemic hours nearly impossible, and he encourages people to call ahead to make sure there is room available on the lanes at any particular time.

“Everything is in flux, even with the weather the next few days. It’s a very fluid situation. It’s hard to really plan,” said Shaver. We’re under strict limitations for capacity. It makes it more difficult, but as long as people want it, we will try to be there.”

Among the other requirements for bowlers, even during league play, is only two people per lane and masks are always required — even while bowling.

Shaver said local bowlers have been very cooperative.

“We’ve had very few incidents,” he said of the masking guidelines, “but we gently remind them it’s a requirement and they comply, so it’s been O.K.”

Shaver said updates on hours are posted on the Facebook pages for both bowling centers. As of the most recent update, hours are:

Rainier Lanes Hours

• Monday — closed

• Tuesday-Thursday — 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Friday-Saturday — 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Sunday — closed

Shores Bowl Hours

• Monday-Thursday — 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Friday — 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Saturday — 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Sunday — 11 a.m to 9 p.m.

For more information, Rainier Lanes in Aberdeen can be reached at 360-532-7977. The phone number for Shores Bowl in Ocean Shores is 360-289-9356.

Guidelines for bowling centers are as follows:

• Two bowlers per lane.

• Mask use required. (Bowling is not considered an allowable exception for exercise activities or team sports.)

• No spectators allowed in Phases 2 and 3.

• Bowlers must maintain 6 feet of distance between bowlers in other lanes and in other areas of the facility.

• Sharing of equipment is not allowed.

• Players may not switch between teams in league play.

• Only league play and practice for league play allowed.

• Individual lanes are required to schedule 15 minutes between each user for cleaning and sanitizing.

• Shoes and balls, including finger holes, must be disinfected after every use.

• Arcades and amusement and/or redemption activities closed.

• Restaurants and pro-shops adhere to required guidelines for food service and retail for the phase that their respective county is in.