The Owen Sound Roselawn Bowling Club has received grant funding through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for several outdoor improvements at the 102 year old club.

 The New Horizons federal grants and contributions program supports projects that are led or inspired by seniors who are making a difference in the lives of others in their communities.

Roselawn received more than $17,000 after applying for the grant in December 2021. The funding will allow the club to replace lighting on the greens with energy efficient LED lights and make improvements to the greens themselves.

“We’re very grateful to have received this funding through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons program” said Roselawn board member and grant writer Jon Farmer. “These upgrades are going to help us improve the health and safety of our greens, make it possible to bowl later into the evening, and reduce our energy costs. It’s a win-win-win”.

The club made the announcement during an open house on June 4 celebrating National Bowls Day. Roselawn will host a second open house on Saturday June 11 from noon to 4pm.

The pandemic had a profound effect on the member driven club. Roselawn was unable to open in 2020. In 2021, the club opened for play but with social distancing and without the regular socialising that follows games. Normally, members can drop in on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday nights for regular bowling as well as on Wednesday mornings.

According to Farmer, 2022 will see a return to the club’s pre-pandemic normal with game play and socializing.

“We’re excited to get the doors open again and welcome people back to the club and the game. We’re working hard to spread the word and engage new members as well because lawn bowling is fun and accessible. With better lighting, there will be more time for members to play and connect”.

Lawn bowling itself is played on grass and is like a cross between curling and bocci ball. Players roll bowls down the green in an arc and score points by being closest to the small white ball called a ‘Jack’. Roselawn provides all the necessary equipment and the club encourages visitors to drop in and try the game. 

For more information about Roselawn visit www.roselawnbowlingclub.wordpress.com/. Information about the New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects is available at Canada.ca.