Dozens of people marched down to city hall Tuesday to strike down a re-development plan that will put their favourite hangout in the gutter.

The bowlers met up outside Vancouver’s Varsity Ridge Bowl on West 15th Avenue and made their way to city hall to oppose the demolition of the five-pin bowling alley to make way for a new condo development.

Celine Lange, 69, has been bowling at Varsity Ridge for 17 years.

The community fixture has also been a place where Lange, her sons and granddaughter have spent many birthdays and other celebrations, she said.

“For me, it’s recreation,” Lange said. “It gets me out of the house, not only to come bowling but communicate and socialize with other people. And as you get older, we can’t handle those 10-pin balls.”

Max Riches, 10, said he’s sad that he won’t get to play his “favourite sport of all time” at the alley closest to his home and that has been a part of his family’s tradition.

“It’ll really take away a huge cultural landmark in our community,” he said. “Anyone can bowl here.”

Mel Lehan, one of the march organizers, said the city and the park board should get involved to help the developer see if they can incorporate the bowling alley into the development.

“Can you imagine buying a condo and having a bowling alley in your basement and theatre on your main floor? Everyone would love it,” he said.