We, the concerned citizens of Burnsville, MN, USA, urge City leaders to reconsider the proposed installation of an 8-court pickleball complex with an 18-stall parking lot at Alimagnet Park and find a different place that will not compromise the environments of the Park and Alimagnet Lake, or the well-being of its wildlife and park-goers. We have not heard a response to our request for a public comment period prior to the City Council’s April 15, 2025 decision.

Lack of Supporting Data
No environmental or feasibility studies have been completed, though the project would be within a designated City-protected Tier 1 Priority Natural Area with a Priority Water Body, as well as a Minnesota Natural Community with Rare Species. A small group has lobbied for the complex, but little City-specific demographic data has been provided to support its need. Nationally, just 2.5% of pickleball players are the serious kind the City says the $1.3 million complex is designed for. The single-use outdoor amenity would be usable only five months per year.

While we understand the desire for more recreation, we believe this project will have detrimental effects on wildlife and park users who cherish it, and residents across the City who benefit from this natural resource. We ask that plans for the pickleball complex be moved from Alimagnet for the following reasons:

Impact on Wildlife
Alimagnet Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife species that rely on its habitat for survival. Construction of a pickleball complex would disrupt their biological activities and potentially displace or harm these animals. Development projects have already negatively impacted Alimagnet ecosystems according to City data and environmental research. This would further degrade them.

Environmental Footprint
Construction would require clearing vegetation and installing hard (impervious) surfaces in an area surrounded by a large Heat Island where excessive imperviousness traps heat, and atop a steep ravine that drains into Alimagnet Lake. (Burnsville has nearly twice as much imperviousness as the Twin Cities metro average, and Alimagnet Lake has been on Minnesota's Impaired Waters list for 22 years). The complex would add further soil erosion and water pollution, loss of native plant diversity, disruption of natural hydrological cycles and harm to human health. These consequences contradict investments made towards our environment. 

Noise, Light and Plastics Pollution
Pickleball generates jarring noise. Light pollution is catastrophic for birds, particularly during migration. This noise and light would disturb not only the tranquility enjoyed by visitors seeking solace in nature but also disrupt sensitive wildlife species within Alimagnet Park. Plastics from wayward balls can be toxic. All negatively impact public health. The City says it plans to mitigate the runoff and noise issues. However, it hasn’t produced plans or costs for these, or mitigation for the Heat Island, light or plastics issues.

Increased Traffic
The complex would be located at a blind curve just inside the Park entrance, creating more congestion at the area. Alimagnet has more facilities than any other Burnsville park, including a baseball complex, soccer fields, volleyball court and dog park. The City expects pickleball would be very busy, with as many as 32 players coming and going hourly. Parks and Recreation staff have voiced concerns about potential parking conflicts between pickleball players and other groups. These could introduce safety hazards for others like hikers, youth athletes, people using motorized chairs and wildlife.

Alternative Locations Available
Burnsville has 76 parks covering nearly 2000 acres and many City-owned vacant properties.  Among them are places the pickleball complex could be constructed without causing harm or disturbance to Alimagnet’s fragile ecosystems. And allow the City to strike a balance between recreation and environmental impacts.

We believe it is crucial to protect the delicate balance of Alimagnet Park's ecosystem in this Tier 1 Priority Natural Area, Priority Water Body and Natural Community with Rare Species. We call on  Burnsville's decision-makers to find a different place for pickleball.

By signing this petition, we express our commitment to Alimagnet Park as a sanctuary for both nature and people alike. Together, let us ensure future generations can continue to enjoy its abundant benefits without sacrificing its ecological integrity.

Alimagnet Eco Advocates
Burnsville, Minnesota

Follow our Facebook page Alimagnet Eco Advocates for information and updates.

Burnsville City Council leaders are the final decision makers on this project. They are: 

Elizabeth Kautz (Mayor)

Dan Gustafson (Council member)*

Dan Kealy (Council member) 

Cara Schultz (Council member)

Vince Workman (Council member)

*Council member Gustafson has indicated he will vote against Pickleball at Alimagnet Park.

Image Credit: Loon and Blue Heron at Alimagnet Lake by Mary Galle.