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Rockville Centre Lanes
Maple Family Centers
100 Maple Avenue
Rockville Centre
(516) 6778-3010
When John LaSpina co-launched Rockville Centre Lanes, the newest of six Maple Family Centers, he asked his favorite customer roll the first ball. She had just celebrated her 100th birthday. The second ball was rolled by his 4-year-old granddaughter, proving that bowling is timeless fun, with no age limitations.
Entering its fourth generation, the LaSpina family has been in the bowling business for over 50 years. Partnering with John are his son, Joe, his brother, Peter, and Bill DeCicco, who also holds many years of experience in the business. The five other Maple Family Centers are Maple Lanes and Gil Hodges Lanes in Brooklyn, Coram County Lanes in Coram, Farmingdale Lanes in Farmingdale, and Jib Lanes in Queens.
Formerly an “old school” type of bowling alley with a major focus on leagues, RVC Lanes is now being revamped and modernized. In the works is a new computer system with flat screens. Programs are being set up to encourage casual bowling and to include everyone in the community. Daytime prices for games have been lowered. Over 200 stores have been given incentives to tempt community members to come in and “give it a try.” Over the next few months, the entire interior will be renovated — from a state-of-the-art sound system to restrooms with granite countertops - giving it a more welcoming, contemporary look. They are working with an architect who specializes in bowling centers.
Longtime residents of Rockville Centre, the LaSpina’s hold an affinity for the community, especially for its children. John’s wife, Anita, heads the Children’s Services at Rockville Centre Library. She was featured in The New York Times as Librarian of the Year. She and John were married in 1971 and all the children in their extended family work at the lanes.
“Our family is all about bowling and books,” John said. “We like to treat everyone’s children as we would treat our own. We want our centers to be a safe place where any child can embrace bowling as a sport and feel good about himself or herself.”
Fundraisers, clothing drives and anything else they can think of to reach out to the needs and requests of community members are big at Maple Family Centers. Covering areas that are both urban and suburban, the centers cater to a variety of cultures and economies.
RVC Lanes offers parties for all ages in a smoke-free environment. It’s a fun, inexpensive option for children’s birthday parties or even corporate events. Leagues of all types are always are organized for adults in the evenings, and during the day for youths. Check the Web site for events like band appearances, parties, tournaments and more.
