Skip to main content

True Tales From Parks and Recreation - Racket-less Tennis?


Note: I used to work for a park slowly in continued development in Manhattan that is five miles along the waterfront of the Hudson River. As a Public Programs Coordinator, yours truly handled anything public related in regards to permitting (athletic facilities, film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, and other small gatherings), and of course, dealing with any questions or inquiries from the public. The following series will present stories, e-mails, phone calls, conversations, interactions, and sights I've seen from the people of New York City in regards to a public park. And yes, these are all real! And are all true!

Welcome to another little snippet of Parks and Recreation.


Here is an e-mail I received from an executive working for a well-respected firm in New York City. I will not disclose which firm for obvious reasons, but he did have a very interesting question. It was the type of question that makes you wonder about some folks. I hate to judge, because we all have our own way of keeping fit by way of our routines, discipline, and/or practice, but as I've stated, this e-mail was baffling.

"Are tennis rackets required for use of tennis courts? A co-worker and I intend to play using our hands. Sort of like handball, but against one another" 

Yes, he was serious after I responded to his e-mail with a phone call. And yes, there is no rule or law requiring tennis rackets. Finally, yes, I did attempt to ask him when he planned on playing, only because I wanted to swing by and watch the comedy such a sight would have presented.

Unfortunately, it was later in the evening, and it really wasn't worth staying in the office for.

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Yankees 2025 Postseason - Ponderings and Stuff

Because of the response I received last year for my ponderings on last year's World Series , I decided to do the same for this year's MLB Postseason run. I'll drop some quick ponderings on the Yankees and their playoff run here. Because, well, I don't do "response videos".  Yeah, still a words guy. Still a nerd. Nonetheless, who knows? If the Yankees drop a quick two to the despised Boston Red Sox, this might be a quick wrap-up. Orrrrrrrrrr, we're looking at a collection of thoughts for a World Series title.  I'll calm down.  Dropping some ponderings below - thanks in advance for following along... --- Game 1  Red Sox d. Yankees, 3-1 (BOS leads series 1-0) And. Here. We. Go. [in your favorite Joker voice] Yankee fandom is likely going to be in full insufferable panic mode after this loss. I'm expecting the usual takes of "it's Boone's fault" and something to do with Cashman, and other bad takes on why "they trust anayltics ...

Quick Ponder: Naive with a Side of Ignorance

I miss lying in bed no screen naive with a side of ignorance just staring at the ceiling with feelings, fears, and dreams.