Neighbors urge removal of pickleball lines at Rainier Trails; council to revisit after Garrett Park resurfacing

Residents asked the Enumclaw City Council on April 27 to remove pickleball striping added at Rainier Trails Park, saying daily play has created sustained noise problems for nearby homeowners.

"We want to be clear that we are not opposed to pickleball," said Richard Gardine, a Stonebrook neighbor. "However, we are concerned about the location of the court at Rainier Trails Park... the impact on nearby residents is significant." Gardine told council some properties are as close as about 30 feet from the court and said the parks board passed a motion to remove the lines; he said funding is available to resurface the court this year.

Council members debated next steps. Council member Storton, who said he lives in the neighborhood and plays pickleball, said he supports removing the lines now. "I'm personally as long as Garrett is there, I don't see a reason why the lines at Rainier Trails shouldn't be removed," Storton said.

Other council members urged caution. Kevin Orsut said he was reluctant to remove facilities the public uses and objected to spending tax dollars simply to remove lines. "Fiscally trying to be fiscally responsible with tax dollars, I think it's kind of wasteful that we're now spending tax dollars to remove lines," Orsut said, while adding he would support waiting for the new Garrett Park resurfacing.

Several council members and committee reports noted the city is planning seven new courts at Garrett Park and that resurfacing is scheduled to start May 18. Multiple members said they preferred to wait and assess usage patterns after the new courts open before ordering removal at Rainier Trails. Council agreed to continue the discussion at the May 18 meeting.

The council did not take formal action at the April 27 meeting; members described the item as pending further review and follow-up once Garrett Park work is underway.