Poelking is a big name in the Dayton bowling scene. A family operation now in its third generation, the Poelkings operate 4 alleys in Dayton and the surrounding area. The original Poelking Lanes at 1403 Wilmington Ave dates back to 1951, making it the oldest bowling center in the city of Dayton.
Joe Poelking (left), longtime president of the operation, first became involved in the family business as a 10-year-old, rising early to help his father prepare to open the alley by wiping down tables and taking out trash. He’d go on to earn a degree in business administration from the University of Dayton, and his involvement in the bowling industry has earned him widespread recognition including a Proprietor of the Year award from the Bowling Proprietors Association of America and an induction into the Ohio Bowling Council Hall of Fame.
Although Poelking Lanes may be on the older side, it’s evolved with the times and the alleys today are modern, clean, and fun. Good food and drink and a friendly staff make the experience a positive one all around.
Poelking offers all the standard leagues that you’d expect, including men’s, women’s, mixed, and youth, but recently a fresh take on league bowling has brought some new faces in. Dayton Sportcial, the city’s premier social sports league, hosts a Tuesday night league at Poelking Lanes that offers a more casual experience. The emphasis is on fun and socializing, and the bowling consists of one 9-pin no tap game and one regular game. Handicaps are used to level the playing field for the many newer bowlers who participate, and prizes include the awarding of a Strike King and Queen and a free drink for a strike on a green head pin. This popular league has certainly injected some excitement into what otherwise might be a quieter evening at Poelking Lanes.
Photo Credit: Dayton Sportcial
Across the Poelking locations, two alleys offer boutique style bowling in a more intimate setting with a private bar and conference room. Poelking Woodman Lanes has two story laser tag and an arcade, and all Poelking Centers are available for parties and special events. These and other offerings should ensure that the Poelking name will remain relevant in Dayton for a long time.
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