Ridgemount Lanes are coming back

Residents of King's Point will soon have a recreational centre to call their own.

Longtime resident Maurice Budgell recently received permission from council to lease the old Valmont Academy building for one year.

Mr. Budgell said the lack of places for youth to hang out in King's Point spurred his interest in securing the property, to turn it into a recreational centre.

"There are very few recreational facilities, and I thought it might be a good idea," he said.

Mr. Budgell said the last time the building was used for recreational purposes was in 2004.

Soon the old school will have pool tables, pin ball games, and the once idle Ridgemount Lanes will be resurrected.

"I thought it was an absolute crime just to let it go," he said.

Mr. Budgell said the once active King's Point recreation committee received the bowling lanes from a church in Stephenville Crossing some time ago. They were left behind after the United States Air Force pulled out of Stephenville in the 60s.

But the centre will not only have games and bowling, Mr. Budgell will also be teaching guitar and button accordion lesson.

Mr. Budgell said if the music lessons are hit, and the numbers can support it, he may consider hosting dinner theatres at the centre for residents and tourists.

Mayor Ed Wright said the recreation centre will be a great addition for the town and its residents, since there are few options, especially for the youth.

"I would really like to see this move forward," he said.