Mike Deak

@MikeDeakMyCJ

SCOTCH PLAINS - The reports of Bowcraft's death are greatly exaggerated — at least for now.

The landmark Route 22 family entertainment center has denied rumors that its closure is imminent, but the township planning board will be holding a hearing on Monday evening on a proposal by ATA Developers to build a 200-unit residential property on the 10-acre lot.



Even if the planning board approves the application — a process that could take months — construction may not begin until 2018 or later because of the lengthy permitting process.



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Earlier this week, Bowcraft issued a statement on its Facebook page that recent Internet reports that it was closing for good in a few weeks were not true.



Bowcraft also said that it will remain open for the remainder of the 2016 season and will re-open for the 2017 season in April.



"We look forward to creating more childhood memories to come," the post stated.



When the report received wide readership on the Internet, Central Jersey residents reacted with memories of going there as a child, going on dates in their adolescence and then taking their own children there.



Representatives of Bowcraft were not available for comment on Wednesday.



The application before the township includes low- and moderate-income units that would help to meet the township's affordable housing quota.



Bowcraft Park was opened shortly after World War II by Ted Miller, who initially operated it as an archery range and a small ski slope on the side of the Watchung ridge.



Over the years, however, Bowcraft evolved in to a small amusement park, catering to families with small children and birthday parties.



The Marke family bought it in 1996 and modernized the facility, adding more rides.



For the remainder of this season, Bowcraft will be partnering with pantophobia.com on a number of Halloween attractions, including a Pumpkin Express Train Ride and a Zombiescape Haunted Attraction.



"Navigate through the abandoned Bowcraft Amusement Park, trying to find items for survival," the pantophobia.com website states.



Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com