I am in my mid-20's, and my wife and I are considering a move to Tyler in the near future. One of my passions is playing recreational sports like softball, basketball, racquetball, things like that. What kind of opportunities and facilities are there for these things in the Tyler area? Church leagues, company teams, anything like that?

Tyler is big enough so that you will find all of those things. Lots of softball, church or city leagues probably at Lyndsey Park on Spur 364. I played raquetball at Woodcreek Athletic club but there are also churches with courts. Green Acres Baptist Church is a gigantic church that will have all the leagues and facilities you want if you want to do the church league thing.

Wonder if there might be some rec leagues through the University there?

They definitely do exist. You should check with Tyler Athletics.(903-534-9500) They are a local sports equipment store that supply most of the local teams and they may have some info about various leagues. You could also check through the different youth leagues like Tyler Rose West or East for baseball, Tyler Fastpitch for softball, etc...there may be links or info about adult leagues. Of course, there are also several large churches with rec teams to join. Good luck with your move. Tyler is a great place to call home.

OOPS! Almost forgot. You could also try checking with Premier Fitness. Popular local fitness center. Much available. They might have info.

You may also want to check out Faulkner Park just right of Hwy 69 South of Tyler. It is relatively new with great baseball and tennis facilities that is owned by the City of Tyler.