Lake Elmo Parks Commission - 12/15/2025

Monday, December 15, 2025

Areas of Interest (4)

Proposed $25 million sports complex faces scrutiny over long-term maintenance, noise impacts, and potential referendum.
Concerns over 'band-aid' noise mitigation for pickleball at Pebble Park as residents push for comprehensive barriers.
City launches new boulevard tree replacement program based on resident donations and volunteer watering.
Debate over whether a major new sports complex renders recent investments in existing ballfields obsolete.

Approval of the agenda

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Unnamed Commissioner · Seconded by Unnamed Commissioner

Approval of October 20, 2025 minutes

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Unnamed Commissioner · Seconded by Unnamed Commissioner

Approval of November 17, 2025 minutes

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Unnamed Commissioner · Seconded by Unnamed Commissioner

I think feels like what we're doing now is just putting a band-aid over this constant issue.
— Josh

Pickleball noiseCriticizing the current approach to noise mitigation at parks.

Our projection just... is if you were to build something like this it would be at least 20 to $25 million.
— Jason

Sports complexOutlining potential costs for a new sports complex.

JoshResident

Resides at 8100 Lake James Trail, concerned about noise impact from sports complex/pickleball.

1 quote

“If there was going to be some kind of a noise abatement... it should be on all four sides.”

Expressing concern that partial sound barriers will deflect noise to other neighbors.

JasonCity Staff/Planner

Leading the sports complex project and boulevard tree program updates.

1 quote

“The 76 acres should be enough room to accommodate other uses than just what we've talked about.”

Responding to questions about potential for additional activities like pickleball on the new site.

8100 Lake James TrailSun Fish Lake ParkPebble ParkLions ParkLegion Park