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Council approves temporary ‘tennis-only’ sign at Rainier Trails Park after pickleball complaints
Summary
After weeks of neighborhood complaints about noise, parking and public urination, Enumclaw City Council approved a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park and directing players to nearby resurfaced courts, noting the sign will not be codified or enforceable by police.
Enumclaw’s City Council voted May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park urging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to newly resurfaced courts elsewhere in town. The measure passed after debate about enforcement, parking and neighborhood impacts.
Council member Smith, who moved for the sign, said the committee heard resident concerns about noise and safety and proposed signage as a low-cost, near-term response. Mayor (speaker 1) and staff stressed the sign would be non-enforceable without a policy change: "This should be used for tennis only," the mayor said while explaining the sign would be on an honor system and would not cite an ordinance or RCW.
Members raised several practical concerns during discussion. Council member Marano asked whether approving a sign would create an obligation to address subsequent parking or noise complaints; staff replied a sign does not legally require the city to change parking or other rules. Council members suggested temporary language that welcomes play at other sites and directs players to Dwight Garrett (the newly resurfaced courts) while the city evaluates longer-term options.
Council settled on a temporary sign with wording suggested by Council member Chris (speaker 13) that encourages tennis play at Rainier Trails and provides directions to the larger pickleball courts. The motion to install the temporary sign passed on a voice vote.
Council did not codify a restriction and noted that further steps — including possible ordinances or reimbursement for court striping — could be considered if complaints continue. Staff will coordinate sign design, temporary installation and outreach to the local pickleball group.
The council’s action was procedural: it places temporary signage and does not change park rules or authorize enforcement by police. The council will reassess the outcome if complaints persist.
