New York Lawn Bowling Club Centennial 1926-2026 Press Release
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Rolling Into a Second Century
New York's Lawn Bowling Club Celebrates 100 Years in Central Park
New York, New York, April 7th, 2026
Do you know why New York's oldest historic park in lower Manhattan was named Bowling Green? Many New Yorkers are unaware that it was named after the city's first lawn bowling green around 1626. The green moved uptown to Central Park in 1926, and New York’s first Lawn Bowling Club (NYLBC) was founded. The Club is located in the Mineral Spring Pavilion just north of Sheep Meadow. Throughout the year, the Club will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary.
Lawn Bowling is a sport that can be played either indoors or outdoors and is very popular in more than 50 countries worldwide. Players roll the balls, known as ‘bowls’, to a target called a ‘jack’ located a maximum distance of 69 ft away, like the game of bocce. However, this is where the similarity ends because lawn bowling bowls are weighted and slightly asymmetrical, not round like a bocce ball. As such, they curve as they slow towards the target. To win the game, the bowl(s) closest to the jack is awarded the point(s).
“The beauty of lawn bowling is that anyone of any age or physical condition can greatly enjoy playing the game,” said Joe Kelly, president of the club. “Throughout the season, we have many curious New Yorkers and tourists alike stop by the green to inquire about the game. We invite them to play and, inevitably, they are hooked. It also does not hurt that our green is in one of the most scenic and iconic spots in Central Park.”
As the Club celebrates its Centennial, many activities have been planned to encourage anyone to stop by the green and get involved. These include free lessons, open houses, community events, corporate events, and more. Throughout the year, more activities will be added. “The Club’s primary mission is to make the sport of lawn bowling available to everyone regardless of age, ability, income, or background,” said Kelly. “As the Club looks forward to our next 100 years, we intend to continue to make the sport of lawn bowling accessible to all.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the sport of lawn bowling, how to participate, or join the Club can find more information on our website: https://www.nybowls.com/.
Contact:
Joe Kelly, President NYLBC
(347) 610-0952