Parkside Lanes in Aurora reached a remarkable milestone, marking its 70th year in business. Located at Route 30 and Montgomery Road, the bowling alley is managed by Kurt Frieders, a fourth-generation proprietor. Discussions about a celebration began years ago, anticipating this special anniversary.

Frieders shared their intention to remodel and improve the venue for the celebration. The milestone was celebrated with a weekend party, offering customers a chance to enjoy hot dogs, soft drinks, and bowling lines priced at 70 cents.

Long-time patrons like Joey Becker have been visiting Parkside Lanes for decades. Becker, who has participated in summer leagues, praised its friendly atmosphere, stating, “This place feels like home. Everyone is welcoming. It doesn’t feel commercialized.”

Dylan Melgosa, another loyal customer, has been frequenting the alley for over ten years. Introduced to bowling by his parents, Melgosa enjoys the fun leagues and the good company at Parkside Lanes.

A steadfast visitor, Ramon Rodriguez, first visited the alley 60 years ago when his father bowled there. Rodriguez appreciates the friendly staff and the opportunity to indulge in his love for bowling any time, having achieved a perfect score of 300 numerous times.

Frieders noted the resilience of the bowling industry, expressing gratitude for the strong customer return after COVID-19. He mentioned a robust business with over 800 daily guests and close to 6,000 weekly visitors.

The bowling alley has undergone significant changes since its inception. Frieders highlighted the upgrade to automatic scoring in 1989, a pioneering move in the Fox Valley area. While younger bowlers may not keep score manually, this innovation improved the experience for many.

Frieders also discussed the introduction of bumpers, an innovation that prevents balls from entering the gutter, encouraging younger players. This small change has engaged a new generation by allowing beginners to experience strikes and spares.

Kurt Frieders emphasized the family-run nature of Parkside Lanes, started by his great-grandfather in 1956. With a team of long-term employees, including Stephanie Bonczyk, who has worked there for 49 years, the venue values its community roots.