40 places for pickleball and one downtown

According to Google, there are 40 places to play pickleball around Tucson. And, of these, only 7 are public courts with no fee charged to play. For example, the 18 courts at the Morris Udall Park are among the fee-free. The downside of being no-fee is that the 12 outdoor and 6 indoor courts at the Park fill up fast, especially when the weather is pleasant. There are no reservations; it is strictly First-Come-First-Serve.

This brings us to the newest pickleball destination where reservations are recommended/required and there are fees. Corbett’s near downtown, combines 3 outdoor and 2 indoor pickleball courts PLUS a new restaurant PLUS an entertainment stage PLUS a repurposing of an old Tucson structure, the J. Knox Corbett Lumber Yard building, giving it new life. Why there is even a mural by — guess who?--Joe Pagac, Tucson’s most noted muralist.

For full disclosure: I am not a pickleball player. I had been at the Amtrak station with the intention of doing some trainspotting photos, but when no trains came by and the temperature rose rapidly I left and stumbled upon Corbett’s while driving home.

Of course there are murals — it’s Tucson

I wouldn’t have identified this as Bridget Bardot, but that’s who it is supposed to be on this mural on a blue wall facing the parking lot behind the restaurant. A gray-bearded Bob Marley was instantly identifiable on the side of an outdoor bar beside the courts. Many of the outdoor structures reuse shipping containers. Like the MSA Annex, it is a good idea!

Play ball! Or swat that wiffleball!

Okay. It’s not a true wiffleball that’s being swatted around, nor are those paddles from a ping-pong set, but pickleball is clearly a variation on these sports. And it looks like it could be a lot of fun when the weather is cooler. Some pickleballers, however, are tough. It was well over 90F and all the outdoor courts were busy. The one hundred year old Corbett building is behind them.

Above, a foursome and a pair. And, below, just leaving the third outdoor court were a trio–these three young women.

Okay, about that wall that reads: Pickle Sign Repeat. Apparently, players are supposed to add their signatures to the yellow wall. Note the TV screens positioned up high inside the shelters. There is a slight feeling of a sports bar about Corbetts, but no sports programs blasting, however. I suppose the screens could also be to share the live entertainment as well as the World Series.

Here is the Pagac mural inside the restaurant. Then there are the two intriguing words on the back wall: Potty Party. Does that mean one direction leads to the restrooms and the other to a fun party? Or does it mean something else? Another Tucson mystery.

One more thing: To learn more about pickleballing in Tucson including the locations of 28 places to play (most with membership or fees) go here: PickleHeads As I mentioned at the top of this post, Google’s listing of pickleball courts is larger and with its map it can help you find courts near you.

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