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Council approves temporary 'tennis only' sign at Rainier Trails Park amid pickleball complaints
Summary
Facing noise, parking and sanitation complaints, the Enumclaw City Council approved placing a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to larger, resurfaced courts, while stressing the sign would not be legally enforceable.
The Enumclaw City Council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging ‘‘tennis only’’ use after residents raised complaints about noise, parking and public urination near the courts.
Council member Smith moved for the sign, and the motion was seconded by Council member Swarden. Council members debated whether the sign could or should be enforceable, whether the city would be taking on new obligations, and whether the city should reimburse the cost of recent court striping if a use restriction were later adopted. Council ultimately approved the temporary signage, with the mayor and several council members emphasizing the sign would be an honor-system request rather than a codified restriction.
Council member Smith framed the motion as a compromise response to neighborhood complaints: “So I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park.” Council members who opposed a strict restriction urged language that welcomed users and directed pickleball players to the newly resurfaced Dwight/Garrett courts instead of asserting an enforceable ban.
Administration staff cautioned that a directional sign would not provide legal enforcement. In response to questions about whether the city would be required to do more, a staff member said no, adding that code enforcement or police could only act if a regulation existed. The council discussed a temporary sign while leaving open the option to pursue codification or reimbursement later if the issue persists.
The council asked staff to design temporary verbiage that encourages tennis at Rainier Trails and directs pickleball players to alternate, larger facilities. Council member Smith said staff could coordinate with the local pickleball group on any costs incurred for court striping.
The decision leaves open further council action. Council members said they would monitor whether the temporary sign and the availability of resurfaced courts at other parks reduce complaints before pursuing policy or code changes.
