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Council approves temporary sign encouraging tennis use at Rainier Trails Park
Summary
The Enumclaw City Council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park asking users to favor tennis and directing pickleball players to newly resurfaced courts elsewhere; the measure passed by voice vote after debate about enforceability, parking and neighbor complaints.
The Enumclaw City Council approved a motion to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to alternative courts.
Council member Smith (speaker S6) moved to place a sign; Council member Swarden (speaker S3) seconded. Smith framed the motion as a low-cost, nonenforceable measure that would encourage players to use the larger resurfaced courts at Dwight/Garrett, noting the community’s concerns about noise and street parking. “I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park,” Smith said.
Council members debated whether a sign that could not be enforced would create false expectations or legal obligations. Several members urged a temporary sign to test whether the newly resurfaced alternative courts would draw pickleball players away. Parks Director Alina Hibbs (speaker S5) said staff could install a temporary sign immediately and that permanent signage could follow if needed; she also noted resurfacing and other costs in the parks program.
Opponents warned that the sign should not state restrictions the city cannot enforce and that the city should avoid creating new obligations to change parking or other park rules. One council member suggested wording that “encourages” use of the other facility and provides directions rather than an absolute prohibition.
The motion to place a temporary sign, carrying the language suggested by council, passed by voice vote.
