Residents press council to remove pickleball lines at Rainier Trails; council opts to wait for new courts

Richard Gardine, speaking for Stonebrook neighbors at the April 27 meeting, said residents "are not opposed to pickleball" but asked the council to remove pickleball striping at Rainier Trails Park because regular daily play since May 2025 has caused disruptive noise for homes as close as about 30 feet. He told the council the parks board voted to remove the lines and that funding is available to restore the courts to tennis use.

Gardine said: "We want to be clear that we are not opposed to pickleball," and asked the council to discuss removing the lines and restoring the court to tennis only. Council members expressed sympathy for nearby homeowners and also concern about using tax dollars to pay to remove striping.

Several council members favored waiting until new courts at Garrett Park are resurfaced and available, arguing that moving play to a proper facility could reduce neighborhood impacts. Councilmember Storton said he supported removal but noted the city is adding seven courts at Garrett that will give players a proper facility and suggested waiting to see how use shifts once those courts open. Councilmember Kevin Orsut voiced concern about the fiscal cost of removal and said he preferred to wait for Garrett Park's resurfacing.

Council did not take a formal vote on removing lines. Members asked staff to revisit the issue at the May 18 meeting, after initial work at Garrett Park is under way.

What's next: Council will discuss Rainier Trails and potential line removal at the May 18 council meeting, after new court surfacing begins.