Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club History 1923-2023

The Nanaimo Central Lawn Bowling Club, later known as Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club, opened four greens in 1924 on the western side of what was then Central Sports Ground (Port Place \Mall area).  When a fire destroyed the green in 1930 it was recreated nearby on the bluff at the top of Cameron Road and the clubhouse was moved to this location.  In 1967 the club moved to Bowen Park and a new clubhouse was built in 1969. In the early years, the Club lease the property from the Western Fuel Company (WF) and the original members were company employees. The WFC was responsible for the lawn bowling facilities, clubhouse, greens maintenance and fencing. In 1941, the City acquired the Central Sports Ground area. The Ladies ‘Lawn Bowling Club met for the first time in 1930.  Initially, members were the wives of WFC employees but this changed in 1939 when a special committee was held to allow for open membership. Over the years the Ladies’ Club kept separate records but the shared use of the greens with the Men’s Club. The two clubs appear to have amalgamated around 1974-1975.

Video

The EVOLUTION of Lawn Bowls Presented by Daniel Handover

Pictures from the Archive of the Nanaimo Museum