Council approves temporary ‘tennis only’ sign at Rainier Trails Park after heated debate

The Enumclaw City Council voted May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to nearby Dwight Garrett courts, after a lengthy debate about enforcement, parking and resident complaints.

Council member Goodman Frazier introduced the motion to install a sign at Rainier Trails Park that states it is for tennis only and acknowledges the city has no enforcement mechanism. "I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park," Goodman Frazier said. Council member Swarden seconded the motion and the council discussed concerns raised by recent public comments and an HOA letter about noise, parking and public urination.

Multiple council members and staff stressed a sign cannot be enforced unless the city codifies restrictions. City attorney/staff (speaker 12) told council, "We're not legally required to do anything more than perhaps our noise ordinance enforcement," and parks staff noted a temporary sign is feasible while the city monitors effects.

Council members who opposed a flat restriction urged the city to instead welcome players to the newly resurfaced Dwight Garrett courts and use outreach to shift play. Others said a temporary sign would be a low-cost trial and help reduce community tension over competing uses. After discussion, the council approved placing a temporary sign with language encouraging tennis-only use and directing players to alternate courts; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Council directed staff to prepare the temporary signage and to follow up on outreach and enforcement options if complaints continue. The council emphasized the sign should not imply a codified restriction unless council later chooses to adopt an ordinance or park rule change.