8-18-25 Parks Commission Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT DATE:08/18/2025 Motion TO: PARKS COMMISSION FROM: Assistant Public Works Director – Adam Swanepoel AGENDA ITEM: Pickleball Noise Complaints CORE STRATEGIES: ☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: City staff has received two complaints over the last four years regarding the noise from pickleball. These complaints came from the areas of Ivywood Park and Pebble Park. Both complaints were from neighboring homes, which are less than the newly recommended 600 ft distance from a court. In 2023, the City Council approved the reconstruction of tennis courts at Pebble and Tablyn Parks to accommodate both sports and recommended measuring noise levels to determine the need for a sound barrier. Staff monitored the noise levels from Pebble Park on two separate occasions when the courts were full. The average noise decibel at the property line was between 47-53. Current city ordinance restricts noise that exceeds 6 decibels above the ambient noise levels as designated by Minn. R. ch.. 7030 , which is 60 decibels during park hours. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: Would the Parks Commission like to recommend to City Council a change to the existing use of the pickleball courts if less than 600 Ft of a residential home? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The Lake Elmo Park system has four parks with courts designed for pickleball. Each of these courts fall under the most recent Parks Master Plan recommendation of 600ft. from a residential home. Courts approximate distance from the closest residential property: Lions – 216 Ft Pebble – 184 Ft Tablyn – 297 Ft Ivywood – 120 Ft