By BECKY GOODRICH
Over 140 pickleball players, ranging in age from 17 to 84, will compete in Missoula this weekend at the fifth annual Montana Open pickleball tournament, hosted at Fort Missoula Regional Park’s all-new pickleball complex.
Many of the competitors have traveled to Missoula from out-of-state to compete in Men’s and Women’s singles or doubles and mixed doubles beginning Friday, August 3. Play continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 4 and 5 at the Fort, 3219 Fort Missoula Road.
Pickleball, an energetic combination of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, is one of the country’s fastest growing sports. The tournament is hosted by Missoula Parks and Recreation, the Zoo Town Pickleball Association and The Village Senior Residence.
The popularity of pickleball in Missoula is evidenced by the outpouring of community support for additional pickleball courts at Fort Missoula Regional Park, says Ryan Yearous, Recreation Supervisor with Parks and Recreation. “Thanks to a partnership with Zoo Town Pickleball, we now have a total of 22 pickleball courts at Phase 2 of Fort Missoula Regional Park.”
For more information about the tournament, visit the Montana Open on Facebook. Parks and Recreation and Zoo Town Pickleball host a wide variety of Learn-To-Play clinics, open play sessions, ladder leagues, and lessons throughout the year. For information about Zoo Town Pickleball programs, visit www.missoulaparks.org.