Council Approves Temporary 'Tennis Only' Sign at Rainier Trails Park After Heated Debate

Enumclaw — After an extended discussion about parking, noise and public use, the City Council on May 26 approved placing a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park that encourages tennis-only use and directs pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts.

Councilmember Smith moved the action, saying the sign would be an inexpensive step to reduce local tensions following complaints about noise, parking and public urination. "So I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park," Smith said. The motion was seconded and opened for council discussion.

Debate focused on enforceability and downstream obligations. Several council members noted a sign alone would not create a codified restriction enforceable by police or code enforcement and could trigger expectations from residents. One councilmember said staff and the parks department could evaluate temporary signage and, if needed, return with language for codification. Another councilmember advocated for a temporary sign to encourage use of the newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett as a low-cost trial.

Council approved the temporary sign by voice vote. Staff said the sign would include language encouraging tennis-only use and provide directions to alternative courts and contact information for questions; staff will install a temporary sign while the council evaluates outcomes before considering any permanent policy or code change.

The motion passed with an affirmative voice vote; council did not take action to codify any new restrictions at this meeting.