I started bowling at Maplewood Lanes about a week after it opened for business in 1980. Prior to that time, Saline Lanes located off US-12 near Austin Road, was the only center in the area. However, their equipment and lanes was manufactured by AMF in the late 1950s, and were past their prime to say the least. Likewise, they couldn't obtain any additional real estate to expand their center beyond the six lanes they had. Therefore, when Maplewood Lanes opened, it took the town by storm.
When the "Bowling Boom" collapsed in Japan around 1975-76, both AMF and Brunswick had a lot of capital equipment over in Asia that they either bought back, or was never installed. This caused a glut of automatic pinspotters, lanes, and other center related equipment in the United States. As you can image, vendor price wars erupted, and soon bowling centers were opening up in Canada and United States with infrastructure repurchased from the "Land of the Rising Sun," at greatly reduced prices. Maplewood Lanes, was one of four such bowling centers in Southeast Lower Michigan, along with nearby Bel-Mark Lanes, Plaza Lanes, and Novi Bowl that were constructed with Brunswick equipment that was originally sent to Osaka and Tokyo.
Maplewood Lanes is a thoroughly modern bowling center, with recently replaced Brunswick synthetic lanes that are well oiled and maintained. In fact, they were the first bowling center to use modern synthetic approaches and lanes when they opened in 1980, in Southeast Lower Michigan. With that being said, there are 24 lanes currently, but the center was built on land that can easily allow expansion up to 40 lanes if needed. Thankfully, the center has a completely adopted a "No Smoking Policy" and the clean air is fantastic.
Moreover, Ed Rondot has a first-rate pro-shop at Maplewood, which is well stocked with balls from the various manufacturers, and associated accessories. Having your own ball that is custom drilled by a PBA professional, makes a major difference in your game. Ed and his staff, will help you with all of your needs, including instructional courses for beginners.
While Maplewood Lanes tends to be a little pricey when it comes to open bowling on the weekends, their weekday rates are on par with other bowling centers in the area. However, several of my friends like to go bowling after work on Thursday nights, when there's a flat rate of $5.00 to bowl all you want. Maplewood's current rates are as follows:
* MONDAY - THURSDAY $16/hour per lane or $2.75/game
* FRIDAY NIGHT & WEEKENDS - $22/hour per lane or $3.75/game
* *THURSDAY NIGHT 9:30pm-1:00am - $5.00 per person all-u-can-bowl with $1.00 shoe rental
* *FRIDAY & SATURDAY after 11:00pm - $14/hour per lane
* Shoe rental $3.00 per pair
Maplewood Lanes is very orientated towards family and youth bowling. This is the home to several programs aimed at children and teenagers. That being said, the Saline and Milan High School bowling teams call this place home.
One area that Maplewood really excels in is their pizza. This is some of the best pizza I have enjoyed in a long-time, and they will make it to your specifications. However, if pizza is not your forte, they serve many other menu selections that are sure to please your taste buds. For many people, washing down pizza with good quality beer is a must, and Maplewood offers a full-service bar.
I highly recommend this place if your just looking to have fun, join a league, or improve your bowling skills. read more
