The Lake Elmo City Council meeting on September 2, 2025, sparked a heated debate over noise regulations and operational hours for local pickleball courts, reflecting the community's desire for balance between recreational enjoyment and residential peace.

Council members discussed proposed hours for pickleball play, with suggestions ranging from 8 AM to 8 PM, to a more conservative 9 AM to 6 PM. Councilman Dragosic argued for an earlier start at 8 AM, emphasizing that construction noise begins at that hour, making it a reasonable compromise. He also proposed banning radios and other noise-making devices to address complaints from nearby residents about disruptive sounds.

The conversation shifted to sound mitigation strategies, with several council members advocating for sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise levels. Councilman Hearn suggested a budget of $250,000 for noise reduction efforts, including potential landscaping to further dampen sound. Concerns were raised about the structural integrity of existing fencing, which may not support additional sound barriers, prompting calls for engineering assessments.

The council's discussions highlighted a community grappling with the challenges of accommodating recreational activities while ensuring the comfort of residents. As the council moves forward, the focus will be on finding a compromise that allows pickleball enthusiasts to enjoy their sport without infringing on the peace of the neighborhood. The next steps will involve further evaluations of sound mitigation options and finalizing operational hours for the courts.