When I was a boy, 60 years ago, in New Jersey, one of my best memories is of playing croquet on our front lawn.  

Neighborhood kids came over and played with my parents and me on summer evenings, as fireflies floated about.

 

It was a lot of fun.  

 

I tried putting up a croquet set in California parks in the 80s, but no one seemed interested.  My girlfriend and I played alone.

 

Is croquet completely dead nowadays?     Is any equipment available?  Anyone for a game?

Yes, use to have great fun at this game.  I think the problem here is the sun.  Hard to play during the day unless you are in the shade.