TOLEDO, Ohio — If you've been itching to get back to the lanes, you're in luck.
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced Thursday bowling alleys will be allowed reopen May 26 if they can follow strict health and safety guidelines.
Miracle Lanes in west Toledo has been closed since the stay-at-home order forced them to shut their doors back in March. Owner Jim Nyan only bought the business last September.
"Zero income, so that's been difficult to deal with," he said.
Nyan never imagined his business, like so many others, being forced to close due to the coronavirus.
"We understand. We're certainly not angry," Nyan said. "We want to be responsible and make sure we take care of our employees and our clientele."
Nyan believes bowling alleys are perfect for social distancing. He plans to space out groups between three or four lanes, so they are comfortable and even more than six feet apart. They're also implementing other safety measures.
"We'll have a [disposable] plastic glove to put your hand in," he said, "and you'll be able to tell us if you have a small, medium large or extra large hand. The attendant then will hand you a perfectly sanitized bowling ball and you're off to the races."
Shoes and all other equipment will be disinfected after each use. Employees will wear masks.
Husted said the full guidelines for bowling alleys will be available online tomorrow on the Responsible RestartOhio page.
"We think this is a perfect environment for people to get out and have a good time," Nyan said. "We can't all stay cooped up in our home. We need to be safe. We get that."
Nyan is finishing up some major renovations and expects to open in the next two to three weeks. But he said he wishes all bowling alleys success in reopening on May 26.