Hickey White Park

Back in the day I used to drive with a basketball, just in case. I made it back to Crystal City yesterday and drove by the refurbished Hickey White Park basketball courts. Hickey was a seven-foot gentle giant who passed much too young. Formally known as the court in Old Town, in the 70’s, the glory years of Twin City playground basketball, it was nothing like this. Just a couple of netless bent rims. But there were some ballers. With those guys, no smoke and mirrors, no AAU select teams, just raw talent. When they stepped on the court, they had a following - always more spectators than players. It was awesome. Kudos to the hometown activists who held the city to their promise to build this. I hope toady’s players use it.