http://www.easternshorelanes.com easternshorelanes.com is the official web site of the Eastern Shore Lanes Bowling Center en-us Copyright 2006 Eastern Shore Lanes. All Rights Reserved. <p><strong>Eastern Shore bowling alley redesigned to allow complete wheelchair access</strong></p> <p>By Bill Kerbin, Staff Writer Worcester County Times</p> <p><strong>POCOMOKE CITY</strong> -- Watching a wheelchair-bound bowler trying to maneuver himself into the restroom at the Eastern Shore Lanes one night was a turning point for the facility's owner Tommy Fitzpatrick.</p> <p><img src="http://easternshorelanes.com/img/2007/2365139-1117929.jpg" border="0">"That opened my eyes," said Fitzpatrick as he recalled the incident involving a young regular at his bowling alley on Route 113, who was left bound to the wheelchair after a car accident.</p> <p>The result is a total remodeling of Eastern Shore Lanes.</p> <p>Fitzpatrick said after that incident, he began to think about what he could do to make the bowling alley more accessible to physically disabled patrons.</p> <p>He said he traveled to other lanes to see how they handled the situation, but did not like what had been done in those facilities.</p> <p>"So I designed it (the improvements) myself," he said.</p> <p>He said he added about 3,000 square feet to the facility and made the building wheelchair accessible. All areas leave openings that are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through. There is a counter that is not only low enough for a wheelchair, but has space underneath so that the occupant can pull up to the countertop.</p> <p>Before the redesign, there was a large step from the counter area to the bowling lanes. That step has been eliminated so that the entire surface is level. Also there are tables at the lanes that are accessible to wheelchairs. All 16 lanes are now wheelchair accessible, said Fitzpatrick.</p> <p>All the restrooms are wheelchair accessible to the point that they can be rolled up to the sinks. There is an extra large space in each of the restrooms.</p> <p>One of his visitors offered a suggestion for changing the parking lot also to make it more accessible, he said.</p> <p>Many of the handicapped spaces at businesses are located directly in front of the doors or very near to the doors. This time the spots are at the end of the line to make them more van accessible. Also there is a total of five spots, although only two are required.</p> <p>After reading an article by Paul Rendine, the chairman of Disability Advocates of Delmarva, Fitzpatrick decided to show him the renovation plans.</p> <p>"He fell in love with the plans," Fitzpatrick said.</p> <p>And Rendine said Fitzpatrick had done "a fantastic job. He did the right thing without being told."</p> <p>The facility now attracts several groups with disabled members who come out and use the alley.</p> <p>Students at Cedar Chapel school in Snow Hill are regular users and a group from Somerset County came recently with 14 members in wheelchairs.</p> <p>"I am dedicating these improvements to Joey Ferrell (the bowler who inspired him to make the improvements)," Fitzpatrick said.</p> <p>Schools from Accomack, Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico counties also come to Pocomoke City to bowl. There is a state tournament coming in May that will bring about 1,000 women to Pocomoke City.</p> <p>"I actually run four businesses out of this building," Fitzpatrick said. They include a restaurant (he added a complete new kitchen in the renovations), a pro shop, an arcade and, of course, the bowling alley.</p> <p><a href="http://www.delmarvanow.com/worcester/stories/20070201/2365139.html" target="_blank">Story by Bill Kerbin</a> 410-957-1700 or <a href="mailto:bkerbin@dmg.gannett.com">bkerbin@dmg.gannett.com</a></p> <p>Photo by Peter J. Casey</p> <p>Originally published Thursday, February 1, 2007 in the <a href="http://www.delmarvanow.com/worcester/stories/20070201/2365139.html" target="_blank">Worcester County Times</a></p> http://www.easternshorelanes.com Bring your wireless internet capable device to Eastern Shore Lanes and share our broadband internet connection. <strong>For Free!</strong> http://www.easternshorelanes.com GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR ANY OCCASION!! http://www.easternshorelanes.com PLEASE COME OUT FOR FUN TO OUR RELAY FOR LIFE CARNIVAL SATURDAY MAY 10TH 9A.M.-TIL ? RAISING MONEY FOR A CURE TO FIGHT CANCER ALL PROCEEDS GO TO AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FACE PAINTING-HUGE YARD SALE-CAR WASH FOOD-DRINKS-BAKE SALE-CHINESE AUCTION-PON RIDES-GAMES....... http://www.easternshorelanes.com <a href="javascript:;" onclick="JustSoPicWindow('/images/camp.jpg','450','600','* * Click screen to close * *','#930ACC','fullscreen','0');return document.MM_returnValue" title="click to enlarge"><img src="/images/campsm.jpg" align="right" border="2"></a>Worcester County Department of Recreation & Parks and Eastern Shore Lanes presents 2008 Summer Bowling Camp. Camp runs July 28th through August 1 9:00 am - Noon, age 7 and up. Come in and see us for more details and registration.</p> http://www.easternshorelanes.com Weekly NO TAP Tournament...Friday at 2:30 PM $15.00 entry fee. Walk-ins welcome. http://www.easternshorelanes.com Fall/Winter League season starts August 24, 2008. We are currently seeking new members for all leagues. Adult leagues are Sunday through Friday and the youth leagues are Saturday mornings. All leagues run for 32 weeks. For specific details on a league, go to LEAGUE BOWLING page and pick a league. If you have any questions contact mike@easternshorelanes.com or use the contact us link at the top of the web page. http://www.easternshorelanes.com