Tupelo MS #23 - Dink me tender

 January 14 2021 4:00

We arrived in Tupelo with enough time to check out the location of the courts, get some ice cream at Bop's and make a quick visit to the birthplace of Elvis Presley. As the GPS took us closer and closer to Old Mill Town City Park, the word old was appropriate. We passed abandoned warehouses and decrepit boarded up homes. It was not a section of town where we would expect a pickleball court to be located. The courts were lined overtop basketball courts and the surface was full of cracks and deformities that would affect the bounce of the ball. No do-overs, you played the ball as it was. Parking was on the street and at a minimum. Players started arriving at 4:00 to set up nets and begin play to take advantage of the remaining hour or so of daylight. The players were very friendly and welcoming. Marty our contact was very helpful leading up to our play. They use Play Time Scheduler to arrange for play. He talked of the possibility of someday getting dedicated pickleball courts. 

Although it was in the low 50s with a light breeze, players came out to play. The skill level was varied as in most places and we were able to play some challenging games. We split up after our first game. Barb played with the ladies.

I played with the guys. You could tell which players came from a tennis background. They tended to stay back by the base line with the long, low strokes. We had a good time and would enjoy playing with this group again when it's warmer and the courts are resurfaced. As I said earlier, Marty was very helpful in arranging play. He is pictured here in the gray sweatshirt.

Thanks Tupelo Area Pickleball

We had enough time prior to playing to visit Elvis' Birthplace which was only a few miles from the courts. We only did a quick exterior walk around the campus. Here Barb is posing with a statue of Elvis at age 13.