L'Italo-Americano

www.italoamericano.org 10 THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015 L'Italo-Americano This is the second of a two part article featuring the timeless game of bocce ball. Part one of the article was published in the May 28, 2015 edition of L'Italo- Americano. In it we explored the history of this simple and entertaining activity. Subsequently, a reader sub- mitted the following information by way of clarification as to the proper way to play bocce: The pallina, small ball, is thrown firs t an d th en ea ch p layer throws his regular size ball to get as close to the pallina as he can. Bocce ball is said to be the world's oldest sport, possibly going back as far as 23 centuries when several listless Romans began throwing stones at a near- by target. But enough with the history! What is the future of Bocce in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area? Believe it or not, as you are reading this today, this ancient game is being played at restaurants, parks and wineries. Let's explore. If you want to enjoy a game of bocce in a new, yet historic setting, the place to play will be in the renovated Joe DiMaggio P lay ground in N orth Beach. Here you will be able to see a century's old game being played in a new playground. If you happen to glance upwards, you will see Coit Tower perched on top of Telegraph Hill. In other words, if you like to dou- ble your pleasure, this will be the bocce spot for you. The new Joe DiMaggio Playground is expect- ed to open in early 2016 with bocce courts adjacent to a small grove of olive trees which will provide shade for the nearby pic- nic tables. Now that's bocce the Italian way. In addition to the above men- tioned Joe DiMaggio Playground courts opening in 2016, check out the following locations. Aquatic Park What can you say about this iconic location but Wow! The photo says it all. The Aquatic Park bocce courts offer the quin- tessential experience. If you can keep your eyes off the amazing view of San Francisco Bay right behind you, focus on these well- used lanes and imagine the elder- ly Italian men that have played here for decades. Imagine the comradery and stories that were, and still are, exchanged. On a quiet day, my impression is that you actually can feel their pres- ence, one of childlike exuber- ance tempered by an ageless pas- sion for their culture and the game of bocce. Surrounded by everything San Francisco has to offer, the Aquatic Park bocce lanes are located at the west end of Beach Street between Polk and Van Ness Avenue. Justin Herman Park This location is another stun- ner w ith its ow n particular charm; it's new and modern. Dare I say it might even have a touch of Art-Deco style. The Justin Herman Park bocce courts are the newest in San Francisco and are a gift to the city by private businesses and built with donated union labor, opened several years ago on the s outh law n of J us tin Herman Plaza Park along the waterfront. There is even a Ferry Bocce League with a website at http://www.ferrybocce.com/hom e. Rossi Playground This playground is an estab- lished neighborhood park in the Inner Richmond, a well-kept area which has hosted Sunday afternoon bocce ball tournaments in the past. Rossi Playground is located at Arguello Blvd. and Anza Street. C r o c k e r - A m a z o n Playground This is a large park that is frequently enjoyed by neighbor- hood families. The bocce area is big enough for both beginning and advanced bocce games . Crocker-Amazon playground is located at Geneva Avenue and Moscow Street. There are also bocce sites all around the San Francisco Bay Area, and sometimes they come with a generous helping of great food and drink. Explore bocce courts in your own town, or take a day trip and scout out courts in destination towns like Sausalito or California's local wine coun- try. Bocce in Concord? A bs olutely! Check out the Concord Bocce Federation web- site at http://www.concordboc- ce.org. All the information you need to enjoy the game in the Eas t Bay can be found there. Courts are located at Port Chicago Highway at Baldwin Park and at Turtle Creek Road at Ayers Road. Campo D i Bocce has tw o locations, one in Livermore and one in Los Gatos. This is an Italian restaurant with bocce courts and is a favorite with families, groups, and even busi- ness events. You will find a Campo Di Bocce at 175 East Vineyard Avenue in Livermore and at 565 University Avenue in Los Gatos. Their website is at http://www.campodibocce.com/ Bar Bocce is located on the breathtaking Sausalito water- front with sweeping views of San Francisco and the bay. The restaurant offers a varied menu and is located at 1250 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Their website is at http://www.barboc- ce.com/ Did someone say Vino! Yes, indeed, there are even bocce wineries in California. The esti- mate is approximately 30 winer- ies offer bocce courts in Sonoma and Napa Counties alone. You can find a lis t at h t t p : / / w w w . w i n e c o u n t r y g e t - a w a y s . c o m / t a s t i n g - r o o m - guide/bocce-wineries/. Although you could satisfy your desire to play this ancient game anywhere in the Bay Area, let's admit that possibly the most authentic way to play is right here in S an F rancis co. A lthough bars , wineries, and suburban bocce venues are certainly fun, which location offers cool bay breezes with sunshine peeking through a touch of fog overhead? Add a sandwich and bottle of wine from Molinari's North Beach deli and you will be all set to play the Italian way. Aquatic Park bocce courts Play the Italian Way – Bocce! Part II – Bocce Now CATHERINE ACCARDI Justin Herman Park bocce courts Aquatic Park bocce courts with the view!

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