Council approves temporary 'tennis only' sign at Rainier Trails Park after neighbors raise noise and parking concerns

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

The proposal was moved during the community services committee report by a council member who said residents had reported noise, parking congestion and public‑urination near Rainier Trails. "I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park," the member said during the meeting.

Council debate focused on whether the sign would create enforceable restrictions or merely be an honor-system request. One council member asked whether the city could be seen as committing to additional actions if it placed a sign; a staff member replied that signage would not create new legal obligations and that only a codified rule would be enforceable. "If you want it to be tennis only, then you resurface it or you codify it and make policy," staff told the council.

Council members also discussed alternatives to a restrictive sign, including directing players to larger parks with bathrooms and recently resurfaced courts. Council members asked staff to coordinate outreach to local pickleball groups and to consult with parks staff about temporary versus permanent signage and possible reimbursement if stripe removal or other costs were incurred.

Administration agreed to prepare temporary signage and language. A councilmember who worked on the suggested text said staff could add directions to alternative courts and a contact number for questions. The motion to place a temporary sign passed by voice vote.

The council did not adopt any ordinance or park rule change at the meeting; staff said making restrictions enforceable would require a separate policy process. Councilmembers said they would revisit the issue if complaints continue after the temporary sign trial.