Roger Vandersteegen has drafted plans to make use of the abandoned indoor sports facility on Bolaro Street.

Mr Vandersteegen’s plan incorporates eight tenpin bowling lanes, child minding facilities, a pro shop, billard tables, amenities and a kiosk. The building planner has also drawn up car parking spaces for 45 cars, which includes coach parking.

Mr Vandersteegen said it was something that he had been campaigning for years for and would save people travelling long distances to enjoy the sport.

“People at the moment are travelling to Canberra to play in social and competition bowling. If Cooma had a tenpin bowling centre it would be a major tourist drawcard for the region,” he said.

The building planner said it would create links with other towns and provide entertainment for the youth.

“There could be competitions between clubs and would encourage young people to stay in town,” he said.

Mr Vandersteegen understood costs would be an issue and wanted to pass his plan onto the Express in the hope of receiving public comment.

“Perhaps we could apply for some sort of sport and recreation grant through the state or federal government,” he said.

Mr Vandersteegen’s proposal follows up year 11 Monaro High School student Blake Rasmussen’s petition to have a tenpin bowling centre in Cooma. Mr Rasmussen has since drafted a letter to AMF and council in the hope of getting the project off the ground. Mr Vandersteegen is encouraging any interested parties to contact him with ideas about his proposal on 6452 7633 or at rvander@bigpond.net.au