Building a bowling alley inside a world-class resort is about far more than installing new lanes. It’s about creating an attraction that performs reliably and efficiently day after day, while delivering a guest experience that feels modern, immersive, and memorable.
At Center Parcs Park Allgäu in Germany, that challenge came into sharp focus when the resort set out to modernize its existing bowling center. With thousands of guests cycling through the resort each week, the bowling alley needed to operate at peak performance, integrate seamlessly into the guest experience, and generate measurable results. Funk Bowling was brought in to lead a full 10-lane conversion, transforming an aging facility into a future-ready entertainment destination.
A Full-Scale Bowling Alley Modernization
Rather than a simple equipment refresh, the project at Center Parcs Park Allgäu required a comprehensive approach to building a bowling alley that could meet the demands of a high-traffic resort environment. Funk Bowling worked closely with the Center Parcs team to evaluate the existing infrastructure and develop a modernization plan focused on performance, longevity, and guest engagement.
The conversion included complete modernization of all 10 lanes. Funk upgraded every string pinsetter, ensuring reliable performance designed for continuous daily use. Alongside the pinsetters, the entire ball return system was replaced, including new hoods and ball racks, improving both functionality and the visual flow of the space. To further enhance gameplay and guest comfort, Funk installed 10 brand-new bumper systems, making the lanes more accessible for families and casual bowlers. A completely new LED lighting system was also introduced, bringing fresh energy to the bowling center while improving visibility.
At the heart of the upgrade is the Funk Nexus scoring platform. For this project, Funk manufactured custom scoring pedestals that seamlessly combine aesthetics and function. Designed specifically for Park Allgäu, the pedestals feature a wood finish that matches the resort’s distinctive “barn-style” interior, ensuring the technology feels like a natural extension of the environment rather than an add-on.
The result is a bowling center that feels entirely new: engineered for heavy use, visually cohesive, and intuitively designed for guests of all ages, from families on holiday to evening social groups.
Why Reliability and Flexibility Matter When Building a Bowling Alley
For resorts like Center Parcs, bowling is a core attraction, which means downtime isn’t an option. When building a bowling alley in a hospitality-driven environment, reliability is just as important as aesthetics.
Funk’s systems are engineered for consistent performance, reduced maintenance, and long-term operational efficiency. The upgraded string pinsetters, ball returns, bumpers, and lighting at Park Allgäu were all selected and installed with durability in mind. This helps minimize service interruptions and ensures a smooth experience for both guests and staff.
Flexibility also played a key role in the project. With Funk Nexus scoring, the resort gained access to cloud-based management tools, customizable game modes, and real-time insights into lane usage and performance. This allows operators to adapt programming, manage peak hours more effectively, and continuously refine the bowling experience based on guest behavior. Funk’s systems enabled Park Allgäu to turn bowling into a smarter, data-driven revenue stream.
Enhancing the Guest Experience Through Technology
Modern guests expect more than traditional scoring screens. At Center Parcs Park Allgäu, Nexus scoring brings an interactive layer to every game. The intuitive interface makes it easy for families, international guests, and first-time bowlers to jump right in, while enhanced visuals and gameplay features keep energy high throughout each session.
Equally important is how the technology integrates into the space itself. The custom-designed pedestals and barn-style wood finishes ensure that scoring, lighting, and lane systems complement the resort’s warm, rustic aesthetic. This proves that high-performance technology and thoughtful design can coexist seamlessly when building a bowling alley for today’s hospitality environments.
Funk Bowling’s Role in Building High-Performance Bowling Centers
With over 130 years of experience and more than 100,000 installations worldwide, Funk Bowling understands that successful bowling centers are built on more than equipment alone. From design consultation and system integration to training and long-term support, Funk delivers end-to-end solutions tailored to each venue’s goals.
The Center Parcs Park Allgäu project is a prime example of how full-scope modernization can breathe new life into an existing bowling alley and turn it into an exciting, revenue-driving attraction.
For operators planning on building a bowling alley or upgrading an existing center, Funk offers future-ready systems that balance performance, efficiency, and unforgettable fun, helping venues stay competitive in an ever-evolving entertainment market.
To learn more about Center Parcs Park Allgäu, please check out their website and Instagram.
0 Comments