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Council approves temporary 'tennis-preference' sign at Rainier Trails Park after debate over enforceability
Summary
After committee discussion and resident complaints about noise, parking and public urination, the council approved a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park and directing pickleball players to alternate courts. Council emphasized the sign would be nonenforceable and recommended monitoring for one month.
Council approved a motion to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park that encourages use for tennis and directs pickleball players to alternate facilities.
Councilmember Smith moved for the signage, arguing residents near Rainier Trails had raised noise and parking complaints; Smith said the sign would "put a sign up so people are aware" and direct players to the newly resurfaced Dwight Garrett courts. Several council members warned the sign is not enforceable without codifying restrictions and noted potential unintended consequences, including expectations of enforcement or demands for parking changes from residents who had complained.
Parks staff said temporary signage is inexpensive and can be deployed quickly; council discussed a temporary sign to be reevaluated in about a month. Staff also noted resurfacing of alternate courts at Dwight Garrett was completed the same day. The council approved the temporary sign by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.
Council members asked staff to coordinate wording (encouraging alternate sites rather than appearing prohibitive) and to consult with local pickleball groups about striping costs. The motion passed, and staff will implement a temporary sign and return with results of the trial period.
