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Council approves temporary 'tennis only' sign at Rainier Trails Park after heated debate over pickleball
Summary
After weeks of resident complaints about noise, parking and sanitation, the Enumclaw City Council voted to place a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park and direct players to nearby resurfaced courts; council emphasized the sign is not legally enforceable.
The Enumclaw City Council voted May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging use for tennis and directing pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts. Council member Smith moved the measure, citing neighborhood complaints; the motion passed by voice vote.
The debate focused on competing concerns: neighbors reported noise, on-street parking blocking traffic and incidents of public urination, while some councilors and residents said the town now has alternative courts with restrooms that better suit pickleball players. “I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park,” Council member Smith said when proposing the measure.
Parks Director Alina Hibbs told council the sign would be a low-cost, temporary measure staff could produce quickly. Council members emphasized the sign is advisory, not a codified rule. “If you want it to be tennis only, then you resurface it or you codify it,” the mayor said, warning that a non-codified sign would carry no enforcement mechanism.
Several councilors proposed language that would welcome users but encourage relocation to the newly resurfaced Dwight/Garrett courts, and to include directions or contact information for questions. Council member Marano urged outreach to the pickleball group and suggested the sign steer users to the alternative courts rather than assert prohibitions the city could not enforce.
Council also discussed short-term steps staff can take to monitor outcomes: posting a temporary sign, observing use after resurfacing, and returning to council with options if complaints persist. The motion passed; staff will install temporary signage and report back if additional steps are needed.
The decision directs staff to post a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park while advising pickleball players of available courts at Dwight/Garrett; any codified restriction would require a separate regulatory process.
