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Council approves temporary ‘tennis-only’ sign at Rainier Trails Park after debate over pickleball
Summary
After extended council debate about enforceability, parking and neighborhood complaints, Enumclaw’s council voted to place a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park and direct pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts for the coming month.
Enumclaw’s City Council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging the court be used for tennis only and directing pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts, following a long debate about noise, parking and enforceability.
The motion to place a temporary sign was introduced by Council member (speaker 6) and seconded by Council member Swarden. Supporters said the sign would be a low-cost, immediate step to lower tensions between neighborhood residents and court users; opponents and some council members warned that a sign is not legally enforceable and could create an expectation of further action that the city cannot legally or practically deliver.
Parks staff and council discussed alternatives including temporary signage for one month to test the effect, outreach to the local pickleball group to address restriping costs, and directing players to newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett (and Dwight Johnson). Staff noted the city’s ability to enforce noise ordinances remains unchanged and a posted sign would not cite a municipal code or RCW.
During discussion council members emphasized concerns about parking on neighborhood streets, lack of restrooms at Rainier Trails Park, and the potential for sign-based disputes to escalate. Several members proposed a temporary sign to be reevaluated in a month; proponents said this would allow the newly resurfaced alternative courts to come online and reduce conflict. The council voted in favor by voice; the transcript records the motion passing but does not include a roll-call tally.
The council directed staff to prepare sign verbiage that encourages tennis-only use, lists alternative courts (including directions to Dwight Garrett Park), and to consult with park staff and community groups. The temporary sign will be monitored and the issue may return to council if complaints persist or if further policy options (such as codifying court use) are pursued.
