Laykold: Pickleball with purpose: the Beer City Open in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Laykold: Before diving into the heart of pickleball’s surging popularity and the inception of the Beer City Open, Paul Richards, 71, was in banking and a tennis enthusiast. In 2015, he found a new passion in pickleball — a sport that allowed him to nurture his competitive spirit without the physical toll of tennis. Transitioning from organizing tennis events to becoming a central figure in the pickleball community, Richards’ journey is a testament to his dedication to the sport and giving back to the local area. Here we explore his insights and aspirations for pickleball, the community-driven sport that’s revitalizing the scene in Grand Rapids, Michigan.