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Stonebrook neighbors seek removal of Rainier Trails pickleball lines; council to wait until Garrett Park resurfaces
Summary
Stonebrook residents told the council that pickleball lines added in May 2025 at Rainier Trails Park have produced daily noise complaints; the parks board recommended removing the lines, but council members agreed to wait until new courts at Garrett Park are resurfaced and in use before taking action.
At the April 27 meeting the Enumclaw City Council heard neighborhood complaints about pickleball lines painted at Rainier Trails Park and discussed when to remove those lines.
Richard Gardine, speaking for Stonebrook neighbors, urged the council to restore the Rainier Trails court to tennis-only use after pickleball lines were added in May 2025. "We want to be clear that we are not opposed to pickleball. However, we are concerned about the location of the court at Rainier Trails Park," Gardine said, adding that daily play during the summer creates noise for properties as close as about 30 feet from the courts and that residents have tried but not found meaningful relief.
Parks discussion earlier this month resulted in a parks-board recommendation to remove the pickleball lines and restore the court to tennis. Parks staff and some council members noted that funding may be available to do the work this year and that seven new courts at Garrett Park will provide an on‑site facility designed for pickleball play. Councilmember Storton, who said he plays pickleball and lives in the neighborhood, said Garrett Park will provide an appropriate facility and supported removing the Rainier Trails lines if Garrett is available. By contrast, Councilmember Kevin Orsut raised concerns about the cost of removing lines and said he preferred waiting until the new courts at Garrett Park are resurfaced and usage patterns become clear.
After discussion the council agreed to revisit the matter after Garrett Park resurfacing is underway (work expected to start May 18), rather than immediately removing the Rainier Trails lines. Several council members expressed a desire to avoid making a decision until the new courts are available, so the city can assess whether play at Rainier Trails declines.
What happens next: Council said staff will monitor usage once the new Garrett Park courts are open and the issue will be on a future meeting (May 18 was referenced) for further council review.
