
Sports Surfaces smooths the cement.PHOTOS BY COASTAL BREEZE NEWS STAFF
There are many residents and visitors to Marco Island who love the game of bocce. From organizations like the Italian American Society, who host a team, to condominium associations who have their own leagues, to many individuals passionate about the game, there is an ample supply of bocce players. Enough so that it was determined three bocce courts at Mackle Park was not enough. An idea Peter Pareene and his friends firmly believed in.
Peter, along with friends and fellow bocce enthusiasts, Lou Imbrogno, Phil

Pat throws the bocce ball after assessing the court.

Peter takes aim, showing the ball does not curve.
“All in all, design, cement, carpet, etc., is expensive. The bid for this court came in at a little over $18,000. We started speaking with others and before long, we had 350 signatures on a petition to put forth to council to build a fourth court. That turned a lot of heads and the court has been built,” said Peter.
The court was built by Sports Surfaces. Getting the cement truck into that area of the park was challenging. The cement truck is too heavy

From left to right: Friends RickRicardo, Bill, Pat, Peter, Jerry, Dennis, Manny and Jim interrupt their game of bocce on the new court last Saturday for a photo. PHOTOS BY COASTAL BREEZE NEWS STAFF
The three older courts get plenty of use, but they could use repair work, too. “Low spots collect water. It’s obvious when the ball curves this way or that. The ball moves straight

The cement truck was guided, going in reverse, halfway around the lake.
“The new court was finished just in time, too. We begin league play Monday afternoons on January 11th. We play Friday nights as well,” Peter added. One can sign up for a few time slots or an entire season.
The popular Bob Ray Memorial Bocce tournament will take place the 27th of February (last Saturday). In March, Hideaway Beach also hosts a tournament.
For further information on leagues or to schedule court time, contact Mindy Gordon at Mackle Park at 239-642-0575.
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