The Richmond BC Pickleball Association is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and
welcoming pickleball community in Richmond. We strive to promote participation at all ages
and skill levels by providing organized group play, develop and maintain quality court facilities
and offer competitive events in a spirit of sportsmanship and respect.
We are committed to growing the sport locally and building strong community connections.
Through strategic planning and collaboration with municipal partners and community
stakeholders, we advocate for the development and enhancement of quality pickleball facilities
to meet current and future demand.
We work collaboratively with local partners and volunteers to create an environment where
players can connect, compete, improve, and have fun. Above all, we believe pickleball is more
than a sport — it’s a way to build community, strengthen relationships, and enrich lives in
Richmond, British Columbia.
The Richmond BC Pickleball Association is registered as:
Canadian Not-For-Profit Corporation
Societies Act of British Columbia
Click on the image above to watch the RBCPA Journey Video
A Glance Back At Our Association’s Genesis
In April 2019, when Sandra Sequeira was playing pickleball on Cambie Community Centre’s indoor courts, she met Anne Primeau and the two discussed the dire need for outdoor courts in the city. They agreed that together they would try to spearhead an initiative to create local courts.
At the same time Ed Wong was making enquiries on how to approach the City of Richmond to convince them to build outdoor pickleball courts at South Arm. Both Ed and Sandra sought advice from Peter Darvill, founding member of Delta Pickleball Association, and Peter coordinated a meeting for Anne, Ed and Sandra.
In June 2019, the Richmond trio submitted a proposal to the City of Richmond, requesting funding for dedicated outdoor pickleball courts ideally in time for the 55+ BC Games in 2020. When Peter recommended an Association be formed and additional people be recruited to join, Gordon Farrell and Lori Barkley joined the group. Gord registered the Richmond BC Pickleball Association under the Canadian Not-For-Profit Corporation in July 2019 and later under the Societies Act of BC.
In the first executive team Gordon Farrell was Director & President; Anne Primeau was Director & Vice-President; Lori Barkley was Director & Secretary; Sandra Sequeira served as Director & Treasurer and Ed Wong was an Advisor.
In December 2019, City Council’s approved 2020 Capital Budget included the construction of three pickleball courts at South Arm Park. Later, Parks & Recreation found additional funding for six courts at Hugh Boyd Park.
The City consulted with the Association on the design and layout of the courts, and with their input, created courts that are wheelchair accessible and that exceed USAPA’s minimum recommendation for overruns.
Construction on the South Arm courts began in mid-May 2020 and the last courts at Hugh Boyd were completed in early August. In just 16 months we had nine beautiful courts in the city!
The Association is grateful to the City of Richmond for its support, and especially for prioritizing the completion of the courts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outdoor courts gave us an opportunity to stay active, fit and social, especially so when our indoor courts were not available.