Council approves temporary ‘tennis only’ sign at Rainier Trails Park after resident complaints

The Enumclaw City Council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging the court’s use for tennis and directing pickleball players to the newly resurfaced Dwight Garrett courts.

Council discussion focused on competing neighborhood complaints — noise, roadside parking that may block travel lanes, and incidents of public urination — and on whether the city could legally enforce a single-use restriction. A council member who moved the proposal said, “So I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park.” After debate, the council approved placing a temporary sign by voice vote.

Parks staff and council members described the sign as “instructive” rather than regulatory. A staff speaker said the city has no sign code that would make a sign enforceable by law enforcement or code enforcement and suggested a temporary sign could be installed quickly while the city evaluates whether to pursue any permanent measure. Council members discussed alternatives including inviting the community to sign an agreement, reimbursing line-stripe costs if the city later restricts use, or codifying restrictions if problems continue.

Council members also proposed directing players to the larger, newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett Park, which the council said have restroom facilities and more space. Several members recommended a temporary sign trial (one month suggested) to see whether the resurfaced courts reduce complaints. The motion passed; staff will install a temporary sign and report back if further action is warranted.

The council’s action was procedural and advisory: the sign is not tied to any ordinance or codified park rule and will not, by itself, create a legally enforceable restriction. The city asked staff to monitor civic complaints and return with any recommended follow-up.