Council approves temporary 'tennis-only' sign at Rainier Trails Park after debate over parking and enforceability

The Enumclaw City Council voted May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging tennis-only use and directing players to nearby resurfaced courts.

The motion, introduced during the Community Services committee report, drew extended discussion about neighborhood complaints, parking safety, restroom access and whether a non-codified sign could create legal expectations for residents. Council member Smith moved for the sign; it was seconded and ultimately approved by voice vote.

Supporters said a temporary, instructional sign would steer pickleball players to larger facilities with restrooms and help reduce tensions. Opponents warned that a sign stating “tennis only” would be unenforceable without codified park rules and might prompt demands for further restrictions or reimbursement for prior improvements.

Winston Larson, senior planner, and other staff explained there is no existing sign-code policy that would make the message enforceable and that any restriction would require a separate regulatory process. Council members discussed short-term options including a laminated temporary sign and outreach to the local pickleball group.

Council agreed staff will install a temporary sign with language encouraging tennis use and directing pickleball players to Dwight Garrett Park; the council will review the outcome after the trial period.

The council made clear that the sign is advisory, not a codified restriction, and that additional regulatory steps would be required to make the restriction enforceable.