Monroe Times: A Legacy of Joyful Family Adventures Through the Decades

MONROE — The two individuals at the bar have been frequenting this place nearly every day for a decade. They, along with the establishment’s owner and bartender, share a friendship.

However, the venue they occupy on a recent afternoon is more than a tavern. It serves as a true, “Third Place,” a public space for individuals to connect outside of their homes and workplaces: Not Home. Not Work. Not church either, although there exists a significant sense of community spirit at Leisure Lanes, a cornerstone of both community and bowling in Monroe since 1974.

A concept popularized by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 publication The Great Good Place, a third place denotes a neutral setting where individuals can forge relationships and exchange resources. Third places encourage social engagement, foster community trust, and promote resource sharing, all of which can enhance well-being.

Yet that’s all theoretical jargon for ‘a joyous venue for everyone.’ At its core, it is a bowling establishment, but it also embodies one of the few options that might persuade children to set down their devices, if only long enough to capture a selfie for social media.

Dan Goepfert, a tall and unpretentious man sporting a mane of gray hair, has been engaged with the business since 1985. Most days, he manages the operations but also serves drinks and handles whatever needs attention.

“People have been visiting here for over 40 years,” he noted. “We receive substantial backing from the community.”

And not only for bowling or drinking. For numerous decades, it has hosted various community events, ranging from birthday celebrations to political gatherings, retirement festivities, and fundraising activities for local initiatives.

Year after year. Decade after decade. For many, it signifies “a space to socialize,” stated Goepfert.

Publicized online as Monroe’s “most comprehensive entertainment venue since 1974,” the bowling section features 16 lanes equipped with state-of-the-art automatic scoring and available bumper lanes. Approximately 15 individuals are employed to maintain operations, though the majority of them work part-time.

It attracts bowlers not only from Monroe but also from Freeport, New Glarus, and Lafayette County.

Indeed, the league bowlers are some of the longest-standing patrons at Leisure Lanes, as per Goepfert, who has been running the business since 1985. Some of those committed league members continue to bowl well into their elder years — despite not being as quick or strong as in their youth, he remarked, expressing delight in seeing them stay engaged.

“They are committed to this venue, and I’m always pleased to see our league bowlers,” Goepfert expressed. “They just appreciate being part of it and reuniting with friends here.”

As for the gentlemen at the bar on a recent weekday, Leisure Lanes has turned into a second home for them.

“It’s got the perfect vibe,” remarked Steve Ostley. “There’s so much to engage in for everyone.”

Paul Baker from Monroe is also a well-known figure at Leisure Lanes. Living just across the street, he has been frequenting this place almost daily after his job for nearly ten years.

“We just adore happy hour, and we cherish the bartender,” he said, pointing towards Goepfert, who was busy cleaning glasses at the far end of the bar.

Live performances generally occur on Saturday evenings during the league bowling season, spanning from September to April. Many local bands began their journey by performing regularly there for family and friends.

“Leisure Lanes has been hosting live music since the 70s,” Goepfert conveyed to the Times last year. “We feature a myriad of local talent, ranging from rock and classic rock to blues and country.”

Guests can also benefit from daily food promotions beginning at 11 a.m. every day, along with a popular happy hour from Monday to Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Reservations are not mandatory for bowling, yet they are recommended for larger groups. All pricing information, including for shoe rentals, can be found daily on the Leisure Lanes website.