My 11-year-old daughter, like many other children, finds joy every weekend at our local bowling alley. It's her favorite pastime, an activity that has become an essential part of her childhood. This alley is not just a building, but a safe haven for our town's youngest citizens. A place where laughter, fun, and camaraderie echo through the lively chatter, clatter of pins, and cheers as strikes are scored.

Unfortunately, our city has planned to demolish this cornerstone of our community and construct a parking lot in its place. The building was bought & was to be closed down as a bowling alley. But since then the original purchaser have changed their minds & backed out & now if a new buyer is not found by a certain date, the city will purchase it & tear it down! Turning it into yet another parking lot. 

In an era where more and more of our children's interactions are digital and impersonal, our bowling alley has offered them a precious opportunity for social engagement and physical activity. The American Bowling Congress reports that over 2 million children across the country are part of youth bowling leagues, offering a sense of community and a constructive pastime (ABC study, 2018). Let's not deny our children in Franklin this wonderful experience. 

Our plea is not just to save a beloved local business but to preserve an integral part of our town's character and youth culture. The city officials must prioritize the desires and needs of its residents, and especially our younger generation, over the addition of another, unnecessary parking lot.

Take a stand now to protect our local bowling alley and the smiles it puts on our children's faces. Sign this petition to call on the city of Franklin authorities to abandon their plans of demolition. Your signature is a vote for the preservation of childhood joy, community tradition, and the heart of our town.