Kentwood plans party to open new beach volleyball, ‘fowling’ areas

Fowling is a hybrid game that combines the equipment of American football and bowling into one sport with a similar layout as horseshoes and cornhole. (Wikipedia Commons)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Reacting to increased public demand as well as the latest community recreation trends, the City of Kentwood will unveil four competition-grade beach volleyball courts and outdoor fowling lanes at a community event later this month.

Located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, near the Kentwood Department of Public Works, the new facility will officially open with a grand opening on Friday, June 21, at 6 p.m., with with music, a food truck and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We have experienced a growing need for additional beach volleyball courts within the community and are excited to grow our recreational offerings,” Val Romeo, director of Kentwood Parks and Recreation, said in supplied material. “We are proud to offer new high-quality sand courts right here in Kentwood. We are also excited to include fowling — an activity that’s growing in popularity.”

Fowling is a hybrid game that combines the equipment of American football and bowling into one sport with a similar layout as horseshoes and cornhole. It is maybe best known as a pastime at football and concert tailgate parties. According to Wikipedia, fowling was founded in 2001 in Detroit. The object of fowling is for teams to be the first to knock down all opponent’s pins by throwing a full-size, regulation football at 10 bowling pins positioned in a traditional bowling layout.

Following the new facility’s ribbon-cutting, volleyball teams of four will compete in a co-ed volleyball tournament. Those interested in signing up for the tournament, or a variety of competitive and recreational beach volleyball leagues set to begin July 15, can sign up at kentwoodvolleyball or by calling 616-656-5270.

For the opening day tournament at the volleyball courts, participating teams can pre-register online for $25. Day-of-event registration will cost $35. All teams are also encouraged to bring a donation of canned goods to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

The city’s parks department plans to have the fowling lanes available for open play during volleyball league games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

For more information on the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department and its many programs, visit kentwood.us .