Memory Lanes opens in Sedalia, bringing bowling back to the community

Published 12:18 am Tuesday, November 10, 2026

By Chris Howell

Sedalia residents once again have a place to bowl after the Monday, Nov. 9, grand opening of Memory Lanes, a 16-lane bowling center that city officials say will provide recreation, entertainment and opportunities for families for generations to come.

Located at Sedalia’s developing east-side recreation campus, Memory Lanes is a multimillion-dollar facility made possible through the generosity of Sue Heckart, who donated the bowling center to the community in memory of her parents, Bill and Stella Heckart.

The facility also includes an eSports arena, party rooms, a full-service kitchen and state-of-the-art bowling equipment.

“Today is a very special day,” Sedalia Parks and Recreation Director Amy Epple said during Monday’s ceremony. “Not only because we are opening the doors to this incredible multimillion-dollar facility, but because we are opening the doors to a future filled with recreation, connection, competition, laughter and memories.”

Epple said the name Memory Lanes reflects the purpose behind the facility, intended to bring people together through birthday celebrations, family outings, friendly competitions, youth leagues and other activities.

She thanked Sue Heckart for her generosity and for trusting Sedalia Parks and Recreation to maintain and operate the facility.

“You are entrusting us with more than a building,” Epple said. “You are entrusting us with your vision, your passion, and your beliefs in what this facility can become.”

Kevin Farner was hired as the facility’s bowling superintendent, and will be a familiar face, serving as its general manager.

“It’s very exciting to be able to bring this to Sedalia,” Farner said. “It’s an unbelievable hangout for families. People of all ages can come and enjoy this place.”

Farner said the center features the latest string pinsetters, video technology and video walls overlooking the lanes. The party rooms and eSports arena provide additional entertainment options.

He brings considerable experience to the position, having owned and operated a bowling center near Buffalo, New York, with his wife for 23 years. He later managed bowling centers at Little Rock Air Force Base and an Ohio college before coming to Sedalia three months ago..

“I’ve never been in a brand-new building before,” Farner said. “I’m loving our beautiful site here and I hope everybody comes and checks us out.”

City Administrator Matthew Wirt told the hundreds of guests the project represents the combination of two visions: the city’s plans to redevelop the property and Heckart’s desire to create a bowling center honoring her parents.

Wirt noted the property had become blighted, but city leaders saw an opportunity to transform it into something that would bring new life and opportunities to Sedalia’s east side.

He also recalled the history of a nearby park, once known as Washington Park or Broadway Park, that served east-side residents for decades.

In 1931, the city partnered with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad to establish the park, which remained in use into the 1960s.

“Nearly a century ago, city leaders recognized the importance of creating a place where families could gather, children could play, and neighbors could spend time together on Sedalia’s east side,” Wirt said. “Here we stand today, generations later, carrying forward the same idea just a short distance away.”

Wirt praised Epple and the Parks and Recreation staff for their work bringing the project together, saying their efforts go beyond building and maintaining facilities.

“They create places where families come together, friendships are made, and memories are created,” Wirt said.

Mayor Traves Williams also thanked Heckart and Parks and Recreation employees, saying the center represents an investment in the community and its future.

“A strong city is built on more than roads and building infrastructure,” Williams said. “A strong city is built on creating opportunities for people to come together, enjoy one another and take pride in their community.”

Williams said he looks forward to the opportunities the center will provide for young people, seniors, families and area residents, including potential youth bowling leagues and field trips.

Sue Heckart said she hopes the facility will become a place where people can build relationships and share experiences.

“You often hear the phrase, ‘Take a walk down memory lane.’ That seems fitting today,” Sue Heckart said. “I think when we relive the good times and reflect on fond memories, we treasure the moments between friends and family the most. That’s my hope for Memory Lanes. Shared experiences with those you hold dear and a place to build community.”

She said the center honors the legacy of her parents while continuing the values associated with her family’s funeral home.

“In keeping with that core value, Memory Lanes is a place where the Heckart motto, ‘A memorable moment,’ continues on,” Sue Heckart said. “Especially my mother’s motto of ‘We care, we share, we love.’”

Parks board member Jerry Case also thanked Sue Heckart for her generosity and residents for supporting the department.

“It would be remiss if I did not, again, thank Sue for her generosity,” Case said. “I also want to thank the citizens of Sedalia and the surrounding community for always supporting everything that the Parks and Rec Department does.”

Epple said the bowling center is the first step in the continued development of the recreation campus, which will eventually become the city’s eighth park and the future home of a new aquatic facility.

“This is not just a memory,” Epple said. “It is where memories will be made.”

She said the facility will provide a place for recreation tournaments, leagues, eSports and special events while serving families and visitors for years to come.

“Because of you, this facility will not simply open its doors; it will open doors to new experiences, new opportunities, and countless memories,” Epple said, addressing Heckart.

The ceremony concluded with city officials, Parks and Recreation representatives, members of the park board and project participants cutting the ribbon to officially celebrate the opening and Sue Heckart bowling the first ball.

Chris Howell can be reached at 660-530-0146.