If you’ve ever been to Cluett Schantz Memorial Park in Milton, you may have seen the long sandy courts next to the main pavilion. This space has been home to the Marlboro/Milton Bocce league since 2011. What started out as a few family and friends getting together and playing Bocce, has turned into a local, competitive league. Bocce is a relaxed game which has been played around the world since the Ancient Romans. The game of Bocce we know today took shape in Italy, and the sport has found a home in the heart of Milton.

First year League President John Mcelrath is enjoying every minute.

“People really seem to enjoy it. Over the years we’ve seen interest for new teams, and we are always trying to improve. Any issues or questions the players have, they can come to me,” said Mcelrath during a match on Thursday July 14.

Teams meet five nights a week, and play on both courts. Two teams face each other on one court, and the two other teams face off right next door on court #2. The whole league was started by the players. Frank Taddeo and former president Ed Molinelli got it rolling, and it grew bigger and bigger each year, with now 20 currently active teams.

“Our family has been playing since I was a kid, and we just kept the tradition alive. It eventually led to us constructing the pavilion to have a place where we could all meet, but it kept getting more and more attention and interest. We built the second pavilion in 2013, built the court up, and added lights,” said Pete Mannese, player for the team Hudson Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram.

The season runs from May 1 to September. The playoffs take place during the last week of September, and the championship game is on that Sunday.

“The game really speaks for itself. It’s a laid back time that can also get competitive at times. But at the end of the day, we are all family and friends here, so it’s really just about being together and having a good time,” said Mcelrath. “Hopefully we can keep it going for a while, and continue to improve year after year.”