Dan Pearson watches as Russ Cockman takes his shot in the men’s doubles division at the annual Arbor Acres croquet tournament.
John Dial makes a shot during a doubles match in the Arbor Acres croquet tournament.
Dan Pearson practices hitting balls through the wicket for his match at Arbor Acres.
John Albright repairs divots in the court between games in the annual Arbor Acres croquet tournament.
Luella Rundell watches her opponent’s shot as she plays in the women’s singles division of the annual Arbor Acres croquet tournament.
Miniature trophies awarded to the winners sit atop the Arbor Acres croquet trophy. Residents joke that they don’t have room in their house for a full-sized trophy, so the miniatures work just fine.
Angela Pittman makes a face as she tries to think of her next chance while competing in the women’s singles.
The golfers, all polished and sporty, like to reprimand the croquet players.
“We play croquet,” they say, “when we are not physically able to play golf.”
Chan Chandler has been hearing it for years. On behalf of his fellow croquet players at Arbor Acres, Chandler has a retort ready.
“We tell them, ‘We’re going to play golf if we’re not mentally capable of playing croquet,'” Chandler said with a chuckle. “We love to geese them.”
Croquet is serious business in Arbor Acres, a retirement home between Reynolda Road and University Parkway.
It’s fun, too, of course, which is why so many people pack their walkers and oxygen tanks and head to the neighborhood’s pristine courthouse for mental, social, and, yes, physical stimulation.
About 60 residents, including some in their 90s, play regularly each week, making it, along with pool, one of the community’s most popular times.
Chandler, 78, said the sport aligns with the competitive spirit that remains with people regardless of their age.
“We still have that competitive edge,” Chandler said. “It’s really addictive. People hear ‘croquet’ and roll their eyes. And within a few weeks they are addicted to it. That pattern repeats itself over and over.”
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