Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board backs limiting pickleball tournaments to two per month

At its March 19, 2026 meeting, the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board supported asking staff to limit tournaments at the Lakeview Knolls Pickleball Complex to two per month, to coordinate with the non‑profit that requested an additional August event, and to post signage showing when tournaments will occur.

Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Aimee Peterson said the city has received a request from a non‑profit to host an additional tournament Aug. 21–22, which would be the third tournament in August. Board Member Judy Hanson and Board Member Ken Helvey said they had heard from users and neighbors that three tournaments in one month would be disruptive. Hanson recommended a cap of two events per month to reduce impacts on adjacent residents; Helvey and Board Member Deb Syhre raised concerns about Sunday events straining parking provided by a nearby church.

Vice Chair John Ferm asked staff to speak with the requesting non‑profit about moving the event to a different month and to post facility signage listing tournament dates so regular users know when courts will be unavailable. Board Member Andy Mielke said the priority should be preserving access for Maple Grove residents and supported limiting the number of tournaments and improving public notice.

Peterson said staff will work to spread tournaments across the season so no month has more than two events and will coordinate with the church and the non‑profit on parking and scheduling. This was recorded as board direction rather than a formal motion; no vote on a specific ordinance or permit change was held.