Inside the Pacific Lakes Village's Thriving Bowls Community
Pacific Lakes News
Bowls is alive and thriving at Pacific Lakes Village, and providing residents with all the vitamin D, exercise and social enrichment anyone could want, says resident John O’Brien.
John and fellow resident Nita Cowper introduced bowls to residents around 18 months ago.
“Of the 270 residents, there are approximately 60 who play regularly. We assist all new bowlers with the fundamentals of the game, and are available to assist as required,” explains John.
“It’s not only great exercise in the sunshine, but also from a mental health perspective, it allows residents to mix with other like-minded people both in the village and outside. We welcome new members with open arms.”
Pacific Lakes Village sports a full-size bowling green featuring an all-weather Tiger Turf synthetic green with eight rinks. The green is adjacent to the Pacific Lakes Lake House, where there is a café called Little Green.
“Most bowlers like to congregate for coffee and a chat before and after their game of bowls. And after a resident suggested the possibility of a village polo shirt, all of our bowlers own a shirt, and these are always worn at the tournaments,” adds John.
The team meets on Monday and Friday mornings for organised bowls, weather permitting. Twilight tournaments are held during the warmer months, and a ‘Pacific Lakes Village bowlers' Thursday afternoon tournament is proudly sponsored by Fresh Choice Papamoa.
“Fresh Choice kindly donates vouchers, which we draw as a lucky dip at the end of the tournament. We really appreciate this prize,” says John.
Fresh Choice Papamoa also sponsors the mutual biannual tournaments between Mount Maunganui Bowls Club and Pacific Lakes Village. The Mount Maunganui Bowling Club provides the trophy.
John emphasises the importance of resident volunteers who assist with organising the bowls days.
“Without the help of several residents giving up their time and energy, bowls would not have taken off as they have. Now we have a thriving activity and everyone is loving it.”
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