Striking into the new: Planet Bowl receives upgrades

  • Published
  • By Airman Shawna L. Keyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Force Support Squadron's bowling center, Planet Bowl, reopened its doors June 3, after being shut down for nearly a month to undergo renovations.

The bowling center closed May 10, to begin its makeover, which included adding new flooring, furnishings, a more modern paint-job and a handicap area for customers in wheelchairs.

Barney Mashburn, 4th FSS bowling center manager, said the renovations and upgrades were part of the Make It Better program, which helps to boost Airmen's moral and quality of life here at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Additionally, Planet Bowl had not received an upgrade in more than ten years and was in need of the makeover.

"The staff of Planet Bowl did an incredible job helping with the makeover," Mashburn said. "They really poured their hearts into making the center a place where our customers are really going to enjoy coming."

More than $125,000 went into the bowling center's facelift to make it a more enjoyable place for Airmen to spend their time and hang out.

"We are so excited to come bowling today and see the newly renovated Planet Bowl," Stephanie Melvin, wife of Maj. James Melvin, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of operations. "This will be a wonderful place to come and have fun this summer with family and friends!"

Staff at the bowling center look forward to seeing its patrons enjoy all the renovations.

"The staff and I would like to invite everyone to stop by and see the 'new' Planet Bowl," Mashburn said.