A “buono” new sport has been introduced at Willoughby Community Park, thanks to a partnership between the Township of Langley and the Fraser Valley Italo Canadian Society.
Two bocce courts were unveiled on June 11 at the park, next to the Langley Events Centre at 7888 200th Street.
Bocce is an Italian game that involves throwing balls from one end of a court to the other, and is traditionally played outdoors.
The new courts were constructed by the Township’s Parks Department for the BC Seniors Games, which are being hosted by Langley this September.
They will also provide a venue for local residents who want to try the sport.
The two bocce courts are made of wood timbers surrounding a compacted and leveled sand playing surface. They are both regulation size at 13 x 90 feet.
The project was completed in consultation with the Fraser Valley Italo Canadian Society, whose members joined Township Mayor Jack Froese to officially open the bocce courts.
“We all have visions and dreams, but usually that is all they are, and don’t come to pass,” said the Society’s Gino Russo.
“For a while I wondered about this one, but here it is. We compliment the people who made this happen.”
The unique facility is located west of the four sand volleyball courts at Willoughby Community Park, and adds to the many sports and recreation opportunities located there.
A set of balls is available for use with a deposit from the adjacent Willoughby Community Centre in the Langley Events Centre, so that everyone can give bocce a try.