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Council approves temporary tennis-only sign at Rainier Trails Park after debate on enforceability
Summary
After lengthy debate about parking, restrooms and enforcement, the council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts.
The council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park to encourage tennis-only use and direct pickleball players to the town’s newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett Park.
Council member (S5) moved for the sign, saying the request came from residents and that the sign is a low-cost way to respond to noise and use conflicts. Debate centered on whether a sign that is not codified can be enforced; multiple council members warned that posting a restrictive sign without enforcement could create community friction and expect compounding requests for other restrictions. Staff and other council members suggested a temporary, instructive sign that encourages users to go to the larger facility, noting the city lacks a sign code or an immediate enforcement mechanism.
Mayor (S1) and others described the sign as an “honor system” measure and the council approved placing a temporary sign by voice vote. Council discussed outreach to pickleball groups and the potential of reimbursing costs if the city later restricts play formally or codifies rules.
