STLForgottenCourts

A Blog about Tennis and forgotten Tennis Courts in the St. Louis area

Dwight Davis Park

The name Dwight Davis and tennis courts usually brings to mind our outstanding facility at Forest Park. However, this week’s event was held at Dwight Davis Park at the intersection of Riverview Boulevard and Lillian in north St. Louis.

The Park features two Laykold tennis courts, restrooms, pavilion, playground and a water fountain. The courts look really nice from the street but as we approached we noticed some broken glass, a large tree limb and that the nets were about two inches two low.

Nevertheless; as per our agreement, we play regardless of court conditions.  Our warm up was interrupted by a young lady curious because she didn’t understand what white people were doing in this neighborhood.

We explained our project, removed the tree limb and The Mad Bulgarian went to work.  First set was a small battle with Stan (Bulgarian) jumping out to a 4-1 lead and Scott (NOCO) storming back to tie the set at 4-4.

We both found the ball seemed to fly out of the court easily. Courts seemed a little fast compared to others we have recently played on. Stan ended up closing out the first set 6-4 and then destroyed Scott in the second set 6-1.

This was the first straight set victory and an affirmation of Stan’s 4.5 rating.  We had a couple guests with us (Albert Casey and Chris Gassel of Central Realty) so we decided to play some doubles.
  
The Mad Bulgarian partnered up with Chris and Scott took Albert. Stan and Chris dominated 6-1.  The final humiliation for Scott came when he had to run through the fountain as the loser….   Our new fan had remained nearby and applauded our match and thanked us for playing here!

Loser had to run through the fountain

Courts receive a rating of 7 – in pretty good shape just need net raised and a good sweeping.   Location – not including any socioeconomic factors is an 8.  Fairly quiet and undisturbed while playing.  All was made well with a stop at Ropers Ribs where we enjoyed award winning Brisket, Ribs and Pulled Pork!