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Stonebrook residents urge Enumclaw council to remove Rainier Trails pickleball lines; council delays decision until Garrett Park resurfacing
Summary
Stonebrook neighbors told the Enumclaw City Council on April 27 that pickleball lines painted at Rainier Trails Park in May 2025 have created daily noise for homes as close as about 30 feet. The council agreed to revisit the issue after Garrett Park courts are resurfaced, starting May 18.
Sharon Covington, a Stonebrook resident, opened public comment at the Enumclaw City Council meeting on April 27 by asking the city to livestream boards and park meetings to increase community engagement. She said, “I just think it would be more involved as our city population gets, it grows,” and urged easier access to meeting proceedings.
Later in the public-comment period, Richard Gardine, speaking for Stonebrook neighbors, asked the council to restore the Rainier Trails court to tennis-only. “We want to be clear that we are not opposed to pickleball,” Gardine said, but added that when pickleball lines were installed in May 2025 a group began playing daily and “creating a level of noise that directly affects those of us living in close proximity.” He said some homes are approximately 30 feet from the court and that residents have tried to resolve the problem without success.
Gardine told the council the parks board had voted to remove the pickleball lines and said funding was available to complete the work this year. He asked council to discuss the matter and take action to remove the lines and “restore the court to tennis only.”
Council committee reports and member comments showed split views. Council member Storton, who said he lives in the neighborhood and plays pickleball, said he supports removing the Rainier Trails lines and noted Garrett Park is expected to open a dedicated, larger pickleball facility. Other council members expressed concern about the fiscal cost of removing lines and urged giving the new Garrett Park courts time to open before altering Rainier Trails. One council member said, “Let’s get the new court surfaced and lined out and then see what the use is” before making a removal decision.
After discussion, council members agreed to delay any immediate action and to revisit the issue at a follow-up meeting scheduled for May 18. Staff and council indicated they will monitor usage at Garrett Park after resurfacing begins and then consider whether to remove the Rainier Trails lines.
The council did not adopt any ordinance or motion regarding park striping during the April 27 meeting; next procedural steps include the May 18 follow-up discussion and further committee consideration.
