LEOMINSTER — The building which was once home to Mason Bowling and Recreation Center is going to be redeveloped into office space for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).
After 62 years in operation, Mason’s exchanged hands at the end of May. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased Mason’s bowling alley, ice cream stand, and mini golf course for $1,250,000.
At the time the transaction was finalized, Mason’s owner, Albert Mason, said he didn’t know what the state was going to use the facilities for, he just knew that it was going to be redeveloped into something else.
According to a local source, the state has decided to redevelop Mason’s into office space for the DCF. Behind the redeveloped building will be a playground or grassy area for children to play.
According to Mass.gov, the DCF is a state agency that works in partnership with families and communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. The social services agency does this by providing support services to keep children safe with parents or family members and, when necessary, it provides foster care or finds new permanent families for children through kinship, guardianship or adoption.
The DCF is set to be fully operational at its new 640 N Main Street location in February.
The social service organization has another Leominster location at 690 Mechanic Street.