Unlike many sports, bowling does not see its heyday in popularity in the summer months of the year, being mainly an indoor sport.

So when the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, the Family Bowlaway began allowing people to eat and drink outside as a reaction to the pandemic guidelines.

On Wednesday, the township zoning hearing board approved a special exception for the Family Bowlaway, which one of its owners, Kevin Caparosa, said will allow Family Bowlaway to lower its parking requirements from May to November, and host activity for its normal hours closer to its property line.

“We wanted to make sure that we could do this every summer because bowling business in summer is much different than winter,” Caparosa said. “Asked for variance on parking requirements, so we wouldn't need as many in summer as we would (in winter).”

The exception will allow Family Bowlaway to put up a tent in the parking lot that rides the property line, without breaking any ordinances. The business also filed a temporary exception for its liquor license to be able to serve alcohol outdoors.

According to Caparosa, the business also plans to create new restrooms to accommodate outside activity, but has not yet had plans approved by the township.

“Instead of having people go all the way inside the building we hope to build restrooms to take care of people outside,” he said.