On October 16, a Halloween-themed tournament capped the first season of a co-ed sand volleyball league offered by Bluffton Family Recreation in partnership with Southgate Lanes. Team Pac Man won best costume honors (and a $120 prize) and Team Dominoes won for tournament play (and a $500 first place prize). Northwest Ohio Water Doctor was the main sand volleyball sponsor for the 2021 season.
Last winter BFR staff began a conversation with Southgate Lanes about setting up a net on the lawn outside the bowling alley. The bowling alley owners took the idea and ran with it. On June 15 Southgate Lanes opened a patio serving area and a sand volleyball court. Later in the summer, lights were installed to allow play after dark.
In the collaboration, Southgate Lanes provided the facilities, prizes, and coordinated most of the sponsors. BFR did scheduling and provided staff/scorekeepers. Marketing was a combined effort.
