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Council approves temporary 'tennis-only' sign at Rainier Trails Park after debate over enforcement
Summary
After extensive debate about noise, parking and enforceability, the Enumclaw City Council approved a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park; council stressed the sign is non‑regulatory and recommended directing pickleball players to newly resurfaced courts.
Enumclaw — The City Council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park asking users to limit play to tennis as part of an effort to ease tensions between nearby residents and court users.
Councilmember (speaker 5) moved to install signage noting the court should be used for tennis only and encouraging pickleball players to use the newly resurfaced Dwight Garrett/Dwight Johnson courts. The motion was seconded by Councilmember (speaker 3) and carried on a voice vote.
The discussion centered on complaints the city has received in recent weeks about noise, parking on narrow streets and reported public urination. Councilmember (speaker 4) read public comments noting parking and restroom concerns; staff and legal representatives repeatedly emphasized that signage alone does not create a new enforceable ordinance. In response, a staff member said, “We're not legally required to do anything more than perhaps our noise ordinance enforcement” (speaker 12).
Supporters argued a temporary sign would be a low‑cost first step while the newly resurfaced courts with restrooms at Dwight Garrett come online. Opponents warned that posting a restrictive sign that the city cannot enforce could prompt disputes without improving conditions. The mayor cautioned the council to set realistic expectations about how smoothly deployment would go.
Council directed staff to install a temporary sign with verbiage encouraging tennis use and providing directions to alternative courts; the sign is to be re‑evaluated after a trial period. The council did not codify a prohibition or change park rules during the motion.
The next step is for parks staff to implement the temporary sign and report back to council with observations and any additional community impacts.
