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

The Enumclaw City Council voted May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park urging use for tennis only, following public‑service committee discussion and repeated resident complaints about noise, parking and public urination.

Supporters said the sign would encourage players to use newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett Park and relieve pressure on the neighborhood. “I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park,” a council member moved during the Community Services report. Proponents pointed to recent complaints from an HOA board member, civic emails alleging roadside parking that narrows travel lanes, and incidents of public urination discussed at prior meetings.

Opponents and some council members urged caution because the sign would not be codified and therefore not enforceable. “I’ve always had a problem putting something out there that we’re not going to enforce,” one councilor said, warning a restrictive sign could raise expectations and spark conflicts between neighbors and players. Staff and council discussed temporary signage, outreach to the local pickleball group and directing players to alternative courts as lower‑conflict options.

Council ultimately approved a motion to place a temporary sign with language encouraging tennis play and directing pickleball players to Dwight Garrett Park; staff will implement a temporary sign and reevaluate in about a month. The council’s action was framed as an honor‑system request rather than a codified restriction; councilors said they may consider codification only if problems persist.

Next steps: staff will prepare and install temporary signage and engage affected groups; the council discussed returning for further action if complaints continue or if codified restrictions are later proposed.