Tough times strike Valley’s alleys

By KARL HENKEL

khenkel@vindy.com

GIRARD

Mickey Kay likens bowling, something that’s been a part of his life forever, to golf.

“Anyone can participate,” he said. “You don’t have to be a pro.”

The problem for Kay, owner of Kay Lanes on U.S. Route 422 in Girard, and many other alleys in the Mahoning Valley, is that people aren’t bowling as often as they used to. Kay has seen firsthand how bowling, previously considered a recession-proof industry, has quickly and quietly assumed a diminished role.

“Bowling has its peaks and valleys,” he said. “Right now, we’re in a deep valley.”

It’s a valley Kay won’t ever climb out of. Owner since 1985, 23 years after his father opened shop, he recently announced the closing of the alley at the end of the month, after nearly a half-century in business.

Kay is reluctant to say goodbye, but conceded “it’s time,” and he’s decided to cut his losses.

Ohio has the second-most bowling alleys in the nation, according to bowlingcentersusa.com, trailing only New York. In Trumbull County, Kay Lanes is just three miles from McKinley Lanes in Niles, which in turn is only a 10-minute drive from Niles Lanes.

With the population of the Valley rapidly falling, Kay said the greater Youngstown area may have an overabundance of alleys (more than a dozen).

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com