Huntsville AL #22 - Space for pickleball

January 14 2021

The drive from Clarkesville GA to Huntsville was 4.5 hours, and Google Maps took us through Atlanta. We should have opted for one of the northern routes which took a bit longer, but would have been less congested. The scenery would likely have been better as well. Note to self, consider alternative routes in the future.  Originally we had planned to play outdoors at the Sandra Moon Community Complex, but when we arrived there were no players and we didn't even see any pickleball courts. We saw tennis courts, but no lines for pickleball. I called my contact at the Mark Russell Recreation Center and he gave me some general directions to his location. Again, Google Maps did not hit the mark, but with the helpful assistance of a local, we found our destination. We were the first to arrive at this fantastic new recreation center where there were no entrance fees which always appreciate. Our contact, Greg Parker,  at the center helped us get nets to set up on the gym floor for when players arrived. We always get a little nervous when we are the first ones hoping that others will show up. 


It wasn't long before Earl and his son Cody arrived  and we played our first game. They made sure we had a good challenge. 

Heidi and Michael then made sure to show us that Alabamans got game. 

Cody and Carol teamed up in a youth vs seniors mixed doubles against us. We will try to not let this defeat influence our opinion of young people. 

We didn't get to play with Greg. Maybe next time.

If in the Huntsville AL area again, we will definitely return to the Mark Russell Recreation Center for some play with this group of welcoming and talented players.


We were a little surprised to hear that Earl's wife works for NASA. We certainly were unaware of  NASA in Huntsville. Had I done some research, maybe we would have visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Well, we had scheduled to play outdoors in Tupelo MS and perhaps we needed to get on the road.

Location: 429 Taylor Rd, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763, USA

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