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Council approves temporary 'tennis‑encouraged' sign at Rainier Trails Park amid pickleball complaints
Summary
After residents raised noise, parking and sanitation concerns at Rainier Trails Park, the council approved placing a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use and directing pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts; council emphasized the sign is advisory, not a codified restriction.
The Enumclaw City Council voted to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park that asks park users to 'please limit use to tennis' and directs pickleball players to nearby resurfaced courts.
Council member Smith moved for the sign, saying the request responds to resident complaints about noise, parking and public urination. During discussion, council members and staff stressed the sign would be advisory, not a codified restriction enforceable by law. As the mayor summarized, the sign would "encourage you to go to Dwight" and "this should be used for tennis only," but would not cite an ordinance or RCW for enforcement.
Supporters said the temporary sign is a low-cost trial to ease tensions while recently resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett come online and while staff monitors whether complaints continue. Opponents warned a restrictive-sounding sign could create expectations the city could not meet without codifying new rules or dedicating enforcement resources. Council asked staff to coordinate language that directs players to the alternative courts and to outreach to the local pickleball group about stripe removal costs.
The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote; the council directed staff to install a temporary sign and to reevaluate outcomes after a short trial period.
The council made the decision during routine committee reports and emphasized this action is intended to be a good-faith, instructive measure rather than new park code. Next steps: staff will produce sign language and install a temporary sign, then report back on public response and any further recommendations.
