Maple Grove Pickleball Court Removed Due to Neighbor Noise Complaints
Some neighbors in Maple Grove say they are “overjoyed” after the city stepped in and closed a pickleball court that they say was too close for comfort.
“It’s a real big annoyance, put it that way,” said Dan Mutka, whose townhome complex is next door to Fish Lake Woods Park, where the pickleball court was located.
Mutka likened the situation to “a dog constantly barking.”
“It is a big issue,” said Mutka, who’s lived there for 17 years. “There was never a problem until pickleball.”
Maple Grove city officials understood neighbor concerns since the court was a mere 70 feet from homes.
Ben Jaszewski, superintendent of parks and planning, said sound studies in other cities recommend pickleball courts at least 150 feet from someone’s home.
“We’ve made the decision to basically shut down pickleball at this site knowing that we’ve added courts throughout the city and other locations,” Jaszewki said.
Signs are now up prohibiting pickleball at the park.
Jaszewki recognizes the popularity of pickleball and the demand for courts. He said the city has built 24 dedicated pickleball courts in the last 10 years, including 18 at Lakeview Knolls Park.
“Pickleball is still expanding and more and more people are playing everyday,” he said. “So we’re just trying to find the right, appropriate space for pickleball courts.”
Added Jaszewski, “We’ll be adding more in future years when new parks come online and when we’re repurposing other parks for other amenities.”
Those in favor of bringing back the pickleball court to Fish Lake Woods Park have circulated a petition hoping for some sort of compromise.
The Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board meets again on Thursday.
