Heard some folks talking about Marla Sanders Park Lakes having tennis courts last weekend. Thought, why not check it out myself? Grabbed my car keys yesterday morning, figured I’d drive over and see what’s up.
The Wild Goose Chase
First thing – got totally lost. Drove around the park twice, zero signs for tennis courts. Saw playgrounds, picnic spots, even a dang duck pond. Asked a dude walking his labrador: “Yo, where’s the tennis?” He shrugged like I asked for a unicorn.
Finally spotted a faded map near the parking lot. Squinted at that thing – courts were tucked behind some trees on the far side. Walked over and boom, two worn-out courts staring back at me. Cracks everywhere, nets sagging like tired hammocks. Felt like time travel to 1995.
Membership Detective Work
Okay, maybe they’re fixing up these courts? Wandered to the park office. Lady at the desk said “Yeah we got tennis” then dropped the bomb: $40 monthly membership fee. Plus a yearly “facility charge” of $25. Mind you, this ain’t Wimbledon – we’re talking cracked asphalt courts here.
Asked if they accept walk-ins without membership. She laughed. “Honey, members don’t even get keys – you gotta rent a lockbox key for $5 every single visit.” My face must’ve looked ridiculous cause she added: “But Mondays are free after 4 PM!”
Reality Check
Left scratching my head. Let’s break this down:
- Drove 25 minutes to find hidden courts
- Found busted courts needing serious TLC
- Membership costs more than my Netflix+Hulu combo
- Still gotta pay extra just to unlock the gate
On the bright side? Mondays. If you’re cool playing twilight tennis on concrete moonscapes. Otherwise? Total letdown. Won’t be renewing my fictional membership anytime soon.