Council approves temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park after debate over pickleball use

The Enumclaw City Council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts, after a lengthy debate about enforcement, parking and neighborhood impacts.

Council member Smith moved to place the sign; Council member Swarden seconded the motion. "I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park," Smith said during committee remarks. Supporters said the sign would be a low-cost, short-term step to ease tensions while more durable options are assessed.

Opponents and some council members urged caution, saying a sign that cannot be enforced could create false expectations. "I have always had a hard time putting something out there that we're not going to enforce," Council member Lefler said, arguing the council should avoid posting restrictive language it cannot back up with code enforcement or police action.

Staff and council discussed alternatives that might reduce conflict, including directing players to newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett Park, offering a temporary sign for a one- to two-month trial, and seeking input from the local pickleball group about striping costs. Council members also raised concerns about parking, restroom access and potential reimbursements if formal restrictions were later adopted.

After discussion, council approved placing a temporary, non-enforceable sign with language that encourages tennis-only use at Rainier Trails and provides directions to alternate pickleball courts. Staff will design the sign language and handle placement as a temporary measure; council left future codification or permanent changes for later consideration.

The motion passed in a council vote; the clerk recorded the decision and staff will return with sign wording and implementation details if needed.