Winners from this past weekend's Red Deer Open. (Red Deer Pickleball Club)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19) and Sheldon Spackman

growing rapidly

Red Deer Open pickleball tournament attracts 400+ competitors

Aug 16, 2022 | 11:30 AM

A successful Red Deer Open is a sign of the growing popularity of pickleball in Red Deer.

The Red Deer Pickleball Club (RDPC) oversees the sport locally and the annual tournament, which is played at the 20-court Motorworks Fields that opened in 2019.

“It was very successful, and Red Deer is very fortunate in that it has this new facility, which is one of the nicest in Canada,” says Bob Philip, RDPC president. “It’s great the city is recognizing the value of pickleball, and while it’s largely been seen as a senior’s game, younger groups have really gotten involved over the last four or five years. It’s becoming quite competitive to the point we’re seeing professional pickleball take hold in the U.S., with some Canadians reaching that rank too.”

Red Deer hosted last year’s national championships and has since grown from 400 to over 600 members, says Philip.

The Red Deer Open had about 430 entrants who played Aug. 11-14, from 8 a.m. to dusk, in men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles and men’s doubles.

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A junior jamboree is happening Aug. 20 at the venue next to St. Joseph High School.

“I think the popularity comes down to two things. First, it’s easy to learn, and second, it’s very competitive and advancing dramatically especially with the higher-skilled players,” Philip believes.

“It’s about a half-sized tennis court; the same concept with a few unique rules. Anybody can play and get involved. It’s very enjoyable, and gets people out doing something in a very easy format.”

Red Deer has other pickleball court locations, at Allan Street & Avery Street, at Cornett Drive & Cole Street, at Ironstone Drive & Ibbotson Close, at 38 Street & 58 Avenue, and at Pamely Avenue & Page Avenue.