A longtime Riverhead property has taken on new life following its acquisition by Iglesia Pentecostal Familia de Dios, marking a notable example of adaptive reuse within the town. The former Wildwood Bowling Center, located on Lake Avenue, has transitioned from an entertainment venue into a space centered on faith, community, and gathering.

Originally built in the mid 1980s, the building once housed 16 bowling lanes, a restaurant, a second floor party room, and ample parking. After the bowling center closed, the property presented an opportunity for transformation rather than vacancy. The church’s purchase of the site allowed the structure to remain active and relevant within the neighborhood.

Repurposing former recreational and commercial spaces has become an increasingly common approach across Long Island, particularly as community organizations seek accessible locations with existing infrastructure. The Riverhead building’s size, layout, and parking capacity made it well suited for its new role as a house of worship and community hub.

The transition reflects a broader trend of reinvestment in existing properties rather than new construction, helping preserve neighborhood character while meeting evolving community needs. Today, the former bowling alley stands as an example of how familiar spaces can be reimagined to serve a different but equally important purpose in Riverhead’s civic life.

🔗 https://libn.com/2023/02/21/church-buys-shuttered-long-island-bowling-center/

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