Rzonka: The Rock will rise again in a new spot

Relax, bowlers. Chances are, The Rock will be in La Grande a long time.

Steve Rzonka, Bend-based owner of the Rock Bowling and Fun Center, said recently he plans to continue with the business, even though the building that houses it will be soon converted to other purposes.

“I’m not picking up my marbles and going home,” Rzonka said.

The Rock includes a bowling alley and a restaurant inside, and batting cages and a go-cart track outside.

Rzonka opened the business in June 2000. Recently, the Center for Human Development, a local non-profit social service agency, announced its plans to buy the building and relocate there.

Currently, CHD runs its programs from cramped quarters in the Joseph Building on K Avenue. Plans to build new quarters on L Avenue in east La Grande fell through, and since then, the agency has been looking for a new place.

Rzonka isn’t sure when the deal will close, though he said it may happen in spring or summer of 2009. He said that will give him time to find a place to relocate his business.

“There’s quite a bit of time between now and the closing date,” he said.

At present, Rzonka has no solid moving plans, though he said he is searching intensively for a new spot.

“I will entertain ideas from the community. There are people who have ideas, and I’ll listen. It’s just got to make economic sense,” he said.

Bowling will continue as The Rock’s main activity, but beyond that, Rzonka said he isn’t sure which of the other recreational features he will be able to retain.

That depends on the size of the new location, he said.

“The form depends on what I can put together. There are a lot of options,” he said.

This year’s league bowling season will take place as scheduled, Rzonka said.

“We’re still going full out. Our leagues start in September and were getting that ready to go,” he said.

Besides providing recreational opportunities for young and old alike, the Rock employs 25 full-and-part-time workers.

“It’s had a positive impact on the community, and that was always one of my goals for it,” Rzonka said.