Bocce!
Bocce, also known as Italian lawn bowling, is one of the most widely played games in the world and is one of the oldest lawn or yard games. The game is easy to play and is suitable for all ages and skill levels.
The Bocce Court is located at the senior center (14 Abe’s Way) on the east side of the building. Remember to bring your own equipment!
Bocce Ball Court Rules:
- Open play is permitted
- Weekdays, 4:00 pm until dusk (no lights).
- Weekends & Holidays, 8:00 am to dusk
- Schedule subject to change without notice
- Courts are for bocce ball use only.
- No bicycles, skateboards, soccer, or any other activities are allowed on the courts.
- Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times (heels and hard-soled shoes will damage the surface).
- All play is on a ‘First Come, First Serve’ basis.
- Free Play is limited to 60 minutes when others are waiting.
- When finished, please make the courts available so others can play.
- Private instruction is not permitted on courts without a permit and/or written approval from the Rec Department.
- No food or beverage, other than water, is allowed near or on the courts.
- No dogs on courts.
- No smoking (including vaping), alcohol, or drug use.
- Please observe Bocci rules (below) and court courtesy at all times
- Other than manually removing small debris from court, do not attempt any court maintenance. Any issues or concerns should be directed to the Rec Department. 845-485-3628 or Rec@townofPoughkeepsie-ny.gov
How to Play
Team Requirement - At the minimum, bocce can be played between two players. But it is an excellent team game, involving two teams with an even number of players each. At the most, you can have eight people playing bocce at a time (four on each team).
Equipment Requirement - Each game of bocce requires a set of bocce balls. The set will include:
- 1 pallino or jack, which is the targe smaller ball
- 8 bocce balls, which are large in size and come in different colors or patterns (four of each color)
Playing a Game - A bocce match begins with a randomly chosen side having the opportunity to throw the pallino from one end of the court into the playing zone. The same side also gets the opportunity to bowl first once the pallino is in position. The other team then takes their turn and tries to get their ball closer to the pallino than the other team's ball. The end of the frame occurs when both sides have used all their balls. Whichever team manages to get their ball closest to the pallino gets to score for that frame; one point for each of the balls that manage to get closer to the pallino than the other team's closest ball. Game length varies depending on the region but typically ranges from 7 points to 13 points.