Lorraine Wilson, Publicist
As the fall bocce season wraps up and the holiday rush approaches, club members have plenty to appreciate. The season brought its challenges, most notably the delay in opening the new courts. Still, the Bocce Board stepped in with determination, reorganizing schedules at the last minute so the winter season could move forward. Their work ensured that bocce continued, even with bi-weekly games, extended season of play, and weekend adjustments. Member patience has not gone unnoticed, and it is about to pay off.
Progress at the bocce complex has gained momentum. The new concrete contractor has competently completed the walkways and sidewalks, giving the area a clean and polished feel. Landscaping has been arranged with care, with trees, bushes, and rock features now shaping the grounds. The next major milestone was around Thanksgiving when turf installation began. Once the turf has been conditioned, the long-awaited moment arrives: the new Bocce Complex will be ready for play.
A Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. The event will feature a ribbon cutting with local dignitaries (including our very own president, Frank Cianci), along with music, bocce demonstrations, open play, food, refreshments, cake, and raffle prizes. The entire Robson Ranch community is invited to join in what promises to be a memorable afternoon.
Just a few days later, on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m. in the ballroom, the annual bocce meeting will take place. Several board positions are open this year, including president. The Nominating Committee has been reviewing candidates, and the slate of nominees will be presented for a vote by members in attendance. The meeting will set the direction for the year ahead.
The winter bocce league will begin on Jan. 9, and the matches will be held inside the clubhouse on four courts. The play starts on a Friday, but the remaining seven matches will be on Sundays at 2, 4, and 6 p.m. There are 24 teams competing, with more than 200 players participating.
2026 promises to be an incredible year for the bocce community! The new courts will bring exciting changes: no more assembling PVC courts, no more temporary indoor setups using noodles, and no more scrambling for extra lighting as daylight fades. The new courts are fully lit and designed for consistent use.
Players should also expect a fresh learning curve on the new courts. The court surfaces differ from both patio turf and ballroom floors, and the courts themselves are longer and wider. Rules are being refined to make the best use of the new layout. Each court will develop its own unique character, offering challenges for members to master as the season unfolds.
After years of delays, effort, and anticipation, bocce at Robson Ranch is turning an important corner. With the new bocce facilities, a rapidly growing membership (just under 1,900 as of this writing), and a full season ahead, the club is entering an exciting new era.