Council approves temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park

The Enumclaw City Council approved a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park that encourages tennis-only use and directs pickleball players to alternative courts.

A council member who introduced the motion said the sign is intended to be an honor-system measure rather than an enforceable restriction. “I make a motion to ask the council to implement a sign for Rainier Trails Park,” the council member said, placing the measure on the floor for discussion.

Council discussion centered on recent public complaints about noise, roadside parking and incidents of public urination. One council member summarized constituent feedback, noting “parking issues… lack of restrooms… noise complaints,” and asked whether a posted sign could create legal expectations or ongoing obligations for the city.

City staff told council that a temporary informational sign could be deployed immediately and that there is no sign-code policy requiring uniform distribution. Staff and council members discussed alternatives — buying lightweight plastic barricades, directing users to the newly resurfaced Dwight/Garrett courts, or codifying a restriction if monitoring showed the problem persisted.

After discussion, council approved the motion by voice vote to place a temporary sign with wording that encourages tennis-only use and provides directions to other courts. Council members said the temporary sign will be evaluated after a trial period; any future restriction that carried enforcement would require a separate policy or ordinance.

The vote was taken by voice and the motion passed.