The Community Deserves It: Historic Chicago Bowling Alley Seeks Community Support Amid Financial Struggles

A Legacy in Jeopardy

For the last 35 years, Franklin Logan has been lacing up his bowling shoes at Skyway Lanes in Jeffrey Manor. "I enjoy the game and after I got into bowling it was very enjoyable, relaxing, and I met a whole lot of friends in bowling," Logan said. However, the lanes are not as busy as they used to be.

A Changing Landscape

"People don’t bowl anymore, they got older, they don’t take their children like they used to, back in the day bowling was a family affair," Logan said. Brunetta Hill-Corley and her husband run the business, which her father bought in 2009. Skyway Lanes originally opened in 1950 and is the only remaining black-owned bowling alley in the city.

Struggling to Stay Afloat

The bowling alley used to have 30 leagues that would bowl regularly here, but now they are down to only 10. Despite the challenges, Skyway still hosts Chicago Public Schools bowling tournaments and children with autism come here with the Chicago Park District. "We call this our safe haven, not only for us, but the community as well," Hill-Corley said.

A Heavy Burden

Keeping up with the alley is not cheap. All 36 of the pinsetters behind the house are original. Hill-Corley said she would like to upgrade to new electronic machines, but that would cost around $1 million. On top of that, she is still paying back a COVID disaster relief loan and facing a property tax assessment that has doubled this year.

A Call to Action

"The property taxes, just, it’s beyond a kick in the gut when you don’t have the right revenue stream to support it. How can you pay it?" Hill-Corley said. The family has since started a GoFundMe fundraiser in hopes of raising enough money to stay afloat. "The community deserves it, and that’s why we’re reaching out to the community to come back in help us through this journey so that we can keep this pillar in our community," Hill-Corley said.

Conclusion

Skyway Lanes is a beloved institution in the community, and its closure would be a significant loss. The Hill-Corley family is counting on the community’s support to help them stay afloat. By donating to their GoFundMe campaign, you can help preserve this piece of Chicago’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the goal of the GoFundMe campaign?
  The goal is to raise enough money to help the Hill-Corley family cover their expenses and stay afloat.
• How much money do they need to raise?
  The exact amount needed is $1 million, which would cover the cost of upgrading to new electronic machines.
• What is the status of the property tax assessment?
  The property tax assessment has doubled this year, making it difficult for the family to pay their bills.
• What is the current state of the bowling leagues?
  The bowling alley used to have 30 leagues, but now they are down to only 10.