It’s called Pétanque in France. Not quite bowling, nor is it curling.

The sport is bocce. From May to September, the Marlboro Milton Bocce League has been a weeknight feature of Cluett Schantz Memorial Park for 15 years. What began with an uncovered court susceptible to washouts has grown to two hundred players, 28 teams, and an ever-growing waitlist.

With skyrocketing interest in the adult (18+) league, last year’s construction of a third court was a necessity, said league president John McElrath. Since assuming the role three years ago, the one who players affectionately call “Johnny Mac” has worked hard to cater to the ever-growing needs of the league. The league is the most frequent user of Schantz Park, where the town gives free use of the bocce courts. All other costs are covered privately, as membership fees cover equipment and maintenance – the necessities. From covering the original courts a decade ago, to the latest addition: a new court overlooking the existing double-lane pavilion. Six teams can play on a given night. And they do. Five nights a week, Monday to Friday, the ever-friendly, casual environment is on full display. Teams have a different pair to play each game, or go the distance with four players.

The league saw its most significant growth in the last five years, according to McElrath. With skyrocketing interest comes regular maintenance, equipment installation, and all the earmarks of a well-maintained playing field. And a waitlist, as hopefuls across the Hudson Valley wait for their chance for a slice of this league. As bocce facilities closed across the region, Marlboro Milton took in their players. Three teams hail from Poughkeepsie, four from Highland. Players include transplants, from near and far, Cornwall and Sicily. Also present, homegrown folks like McElrath and his father, who at 83 is the league’s oldest player.

Husbands and wives face off or join forces. Friends, coworkers, and family come together. They talk about their families, the week ahead, or the month past. Connect over mutual friends and find commonalities outside the sport. Seasoned bocce players show off seasons of work. Others learn the game’s intricacies in tandem with the lives of other league members.

Cosimo Calderone and his friend of 50 years, Sal, join forces for bocce every week. They can count on good company, food and drink aplenty to share among teammates. The good time is just one of the nightly constants, along with three sets between two teams.

Four balls a side, plus the pallina (the target ball), and friendly competition. If ever a substitution is needed, someone can always fill in. Such was the case on July 25, with the Bocce Bellas, who took two of three sets over the Lost Boys, 12-6, 12-5, 4-12. Patty Cutrone, filling in for the Bellas team captain, said the decision to sign up for this season, her second, was an easy one because of the team camaraderie. “There’s not one person who wants to outshine the other,” said Cutrone. “It’s teamwork.”

With team names representing local businesses like Raccoon Saloon, to the more creative Ball Busters and Deboccery, plus the Lost Boys and Bocce Boyz. Bocce was known to some players at a young age, watching the competitive fire ignited by such a game during family parties. Others found the league — and the game– at the same time. Joan Delatorre joined the first female team in the league 12 years ago. Now on the Bocce Bellas alongside other Marlboro Milton Seniors, Delatorre sees the league as a partnership, both between teammates and opponents. “We love to win, but we’re not sore losers if we don’t,” said Delatorre.

No court is identical to the next. Each has its intricacies, speed variables to consider. The newest court – number three – is the slowest, necessitating the most oomph from each toss.

All matches are also distinct. Scheduled nights vary; matchups are random. Each week brings the opportunity to hear new stories or build a new connection, said McElrath. For the beginners, it’s a chance to steadily improve, week by week. After a playoff session – aptly named “Super Sunday” – the season closes with a catered picnic and end-of-season awards. Just over the halfway point, the rivalries are cooking, and the leaderboards are shuffling each day.

“It’s just a good place for everyone to get together and have a fun night out,” said McElrath.