Paul Boltman, a Lake Elmo resident who lives at 8243 Deerpond Court, told the council during public comment that noise from pickleball courts at several parks is causing ongoing disturbance for neighbors.

"By almost 40 feet from the course at Pebble Park, we are subject to merely constant percussive sound of the paddles hitting the wall," Boltman said. He described the sound as a "thwack or a pop" and said it can be loud for many hours a day.

Boltman said the Lake Elmo Park System Plan recommends courts not be placed within 600 feet of homes and provided counts of residences within 600 feet of various parks: 15 homes near Pebble Park, 12 near Tableau Park, 41 near Ivywood Park, and 11 single‑family homes plus an unspecified number of apartments near Lyons Park. He said his home is about 340 feet from one set of courts and said exposure to constant noise "is a known stress inducer with serious health consequences." He also raised concerns about property‑value impacts and requested relocation or noise‑mitigation measures such as barriers.

Council members did not engage in back‑and‑forth during public comment, but the mayor noted staff will take notes and may follow up. Boltman said he will send an email to council members with further details and invited them to visit his property to hear the courts.

The council did not take immediate action during the meeting. The issue was raised in public comment only; staff or council direction for follow‑up was not recorded on the public record at the meeting.