The group heard how Monaro High School student Blake Rasmussen got the ball rolling earlier this year with a petition signed by more than 1,000 people pledging their support for the venture.

The guest speaker, Roger van der Steegen has drawn up plans including six bowling lanes, a cafe, and cloakroom, play zone for younger children, pro shop and snooker room.

In attendance at the meeting were a number of parents, who spoke of the need for such a facility in the town not only for younger people but all ages.

Alison Constance spoke of taking her two children to Canberra to take part in the recreational activity. Mrs Constance’s mother in law also plays competition tenpin bowls.

“This is not something just for the youth,” she said.

Cooma-Monaro Shire Council’s director of engineering services David Byrne was also at the meeting and said it was good to see people advocating for more services for the town. Money was discussed as a draw back, the project estimated to cost about $350,000. A committee was formed on Friday, who will work to see the project through.