Imagine a vibrant sports center dedicated to ninepin bowling rising not from a single vision, but from the shared passion and expertise of our entire global community. No top-down decisions, no opaque funding – just pure, transparent collaboration to create a hub that elevates our beloved sport.
That’s Project Kegel, and I’m inviting you to help make it real.
My Story: From the Lanes to Leading This Charge
I’ve been immersed in this sport since 1992, playing, coaching, and promoting ninepin bowling directly and indirectly throughout. For the last 14 years, I’ve honed skills in real estate, project management, and renovations – experiences that have prepared me to tackle this ambitious project. But I know I’m not an expert in everything, which is why Project Kegel is open-source and community-driven.
Starting solo, I’m reaching out to involve people from all walks of life: architects, lawyers, marketers, fundraisers, environmentalists, and fellow ninepin players. Together, we’ll build something extraordinary.
The Vision: A Living Ninepin Sports Center for All
Ninepin bowling (sportkegeln, classic-kegeln, kegljanje, kuglanje, teke, birilli, kuželky, kolky, quilles, kręgle, kegelen, bittles, kegle, keegel, popice, asfaltkegling, 九瓶保齡球, bolos, bolão – boasts a massive community, with hundreds of thousands of players across Europe and the rest of the world. But why stop there?
Project Kegel isn’t tied to one spot; it could land in any European member state or even introduce the sport to new frontiers like the UK. The goal? A state-of-the-art facility that’s accessible, inclusive, and buzzing with energy.
Picture this:
- Ground Floor: Six premium ninepin lanes, a pro shop for gear, secure lockers, a warmup area, and a cozy bar for post-game chats and events.
- First Floor: Versatile training rooms and spaces rentable for other sports, workshops, or community gatherings – turning it into a true live sports center.
This isn’t just about pins and lanes; it’s about fostering community, promoting health, and preserving ninepin’s heritage while innovating for the future. And because it’s crowdsourced, every detail – from design to sustainability features – will reflect our collective input.
Why Crowdsourced? Unprecedented Transparency and Trust
What sets Project Kegel apart is its radical openness. No one’s built a physical sports center this way: fully collaborative, like an open-source software project applied to bricks and mortar. We’ll use tools like GitHub for sharing plans, Discord for discussions, and a dedicated website as our central hub (launching soon – stay tuned!).To kick things off, we’re focusing on two key areas:
- Building a Team: Forming a global advisory board with experts in land acquisition, project documentation, construction, marketing, legal matters, and more. If you have skills in any field, join us!
- Crowdfunding: Launching as soon as the website is live, with campaigns on platforms that prioritize transparency.
Speaking of transparency – it’s non-negotiable. Regarding funds: Yes, a dedicated bank account for gathering contributions from various sources is absolutely possible and a great start. To take it further and ensure maximum trust, I propose using platforms like Open Collective or similar services that make every transaction public in real-time. Best practices from successful crowdfunding include:
- Clear breakdowns of how funds will be allocated (e.g., 40% for land, 30% for construction, etc.).
- Regular updates via blog posts, social media, and dashboards showing progress and expenditures.
- Donor management tools for tracking contributions and issuing receipts.
- Post-campaign reports on impacts, with audits if needed.
This way, you see exactly where your support goes, building unbreakable trust. No secrets – just shared success.
The Road Ahead: Let’s Get Rolling
We’ll promote Project Kegel across social media (follow us on X, Instagram, email and more for updates) to rally the global ninepin community and beyond.
Crowdfunding starts soon, once the website hub is up with initial details, FAQs, and contribution guidelines.
Milestones?
Team assembly in the coming weeks, site selection based on community input, and groundbreaking when we’re ready – all transparently tracked. This project could redefine how we build shared spaces, introducing ninepin to new audiences while strengthening its core. It’s unique because it’s ours.
Join the Movement: Your Contribution Counts
Excited? Here’s how to dive in:
- Build the Team: Share your expertise – email projectkegel@gmail.com or comment below with your background in real estate, design, funding, or anything relevant.
- Support Crowdfunding: Watch for the launch and contribute ideas or funds – every bit helps.
- Spread the Word: Share this post in your ninepin clubs, federations, or networks. Let’s make Project Kegel global!
- Ideas Welcome: What features would you add? How can we make it sustainable or inclusive?
Together, we’ll knock this out of the park. What’s your role in Project Kegel?
Let’s roll,
Bostjan Pen
Founder, Project Kegel
