SLAM DUNK!

The Shady Rest basketball hoop, like an old man with a fistful of groceries, is slouching. Has been for months now. The rim creaks toward the asphalt at about a 10 degree angle. And, because I have pretty-much-almost dunked on it, I have a hunch that it’s not 10 feet. But, that’s to be expected from park planners who hope to cater toward all ages. 

Maybe I’m being generous. Maybe I’m spoiled, because the tourism/resort economy I visited most as a child – Fripp Island, South Carolina – had a two-hoop outdoor court, both 10 feet tall, to which I rode my bike most days during middle school summer vacation, because I had dreams of being the next Steve Nash. I played well on that full court. Some days, I couldn’t miss. But that’s not the point. 

The point is, any destination town worth their salt should have an outdoor court that’s functioning. If it’s half a court, fine. If the hoop isn’t exactly 10 feet tall, that’s fine too. 

But a crooked rim – that can’t fly. Per some research, rim replacements range from about $40 to $100+ and don’t take too long to execute. 

Recreation Manager for The Town of Mammoth Lakes Stuart Brown had some good news. 

All Sport America, Inc. (ASA) is coming to Mammoth Lakes around the end of August/early September to repair and cover community tennis courts 5 and 6 off Forest Trail (by the Village) with Sport Court material. Part of this makeover includes a new basketball hoop, which will be installed on Court 1.  

“[We] wanted to provide multi-use courts for residents and visitors,” wrote Brown in an email to The Sheet.

And, around that time, the Shady Rest Hoop will be replaced with what you see on page 1. 

New post, new backboard, loads of fun. Although, the regular rim might require some jump shot adjustments.

Plus, slated for construction later this month and taking the place of the old outdoor ice-rink: 6 regulation pickleball courts. The area will be renamed the “Mammoth Lakes Pickleball Complex.” 

Good things come to those who wait, I suppose. 

Let’s hope I can still pretty-much-almost dunk on this new-age hoop. I’ve been practicing.