Photos: Pickleball tourney draws more than 100 competitors

The nonprofit Richmond Indiana Pickleball Club (RPC) played host to its second annual tournament from Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30, at Clear Creek Park on Richmond’s west side.

Organizers said 107 adults were registered for the Richmond Indiana Open, and a few played in more than one event. Most players were from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, but some came from Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and Arizona.

RPC maintains a public/private partnership with Richmond Parks and Recreation Department. The club is responsible for all maintenance to the Clear Creek Park courts. Tournament proceeds help with that goal, along with donations from members and community organizations.

RPC marketing chair Wayne Mullins noted that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America for the third year in a row, and more than 36 million Americans play at approximately 12,000 locations. Nearly 30% of players across the country are between ages 18 and 34.