Residents urge streaming of meetings, enforcement at Expo Center and action on Rainier Trails pickleball noise

Several residents used the public comment period April 27 to press city officials on meeting access, enforcement of trespass at the Expo Center and noise from pickleball courts.

Sharon Covington, who lives in the Stonebrook neighborhood, asked the city to provide livestreaming or Zoom access for boards and parks meetings to boost community engagement as the city grows. "I was wondering if it would be possible to... stream and zoom... all the different boards and parks," she said, adding that watching remotely helps residents follow issues in full context.

Deanna Miller, a resident who borders the Expo Center, described repeated trespass on her adjoining two‑acre property by off‑leash dogs and photographers that she said has damaged her fence. Miller said she has "like 6 months worth of video" and has requested police reports; she asked the city to look into enforcement and to provide follow-up.

Richard Gardine, also of Stonebrook, said neighbors are not opposed to pickleball generally but voiced concerns about the Rainier Trails Park location where lines were added in May 2025. He said the parks board passed a motion to remove the pickleball lines and noted funding is available to restore the court to tennis-only upon resurfacing and the opening of new courts at Garrett Park. "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.

Council members acknowledged the complaints and discussed timing: several said it made sense to wait until Garrett Park's resurfacing and new courts are in use before deciding whether to remove the Rainier Trails lines; they set follow-up for the May 18 meeting.