Council approves temporary 'tennis only' sign at Rainier Trails Park after neighborhood complaints

The Enumclaw City Council voted to place a temporary advisory sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts.

The proposal, introduced during the Community Services committee report, followed recent complaints from residents about noise, roadside parking and public urination near the park. Council member Smith said the sign is intended as an “honor system” that does not create new enforcement obligations but would make expectations clear to visitors.

Parks Director Alina Hibbs summarized options and recommended temporary signage while staff monitors the effect of newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett Park. “I think that a temporary sign would be good so we can see what happens over the next month or two,” Hibbs said.

Opponents and other council members voiced concern about the sign’s effect and potential unintended consequences. Council member Marano noted the city cannot enforce a restriction that isn’t codified and warned against creating expectations the council cannot meet. Another council member suggested outreach to the pickleball group and reimbursing any stripe‑removal costs if the council later restricts use.

Council members agreed to a temporary, instructive sign with wording encouraging tennis-only play and listing alternative courts; the motion passed by voice vote.

The council’s action is limited to an advisory sign. Staff and council indicated that if complaints continue, options include codifying a restriction (which would require additional legal and policy steps) or further operational changes such as increased staffing or different barricade/wayfinding solutions. The council asked staff to coordinate outreach and to reassess the situation after the temporary sign trial.