Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves temporary 'tennis only' signage at Rainier Trails Park
Summary
After debate over enforceability and neighborhood complaints about noise and parking, Enumclaw council approved a temporary sign encouraging tennis-only use at Rainier Trails Park and directing pickleball players to newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett.
The Enumclaw City Council voted on May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging use for tennis and directing pickleball users to nearby resurfaced courts.
Council member Smith moved for the signage after residents and neighbors raised concerns about noise, parking and public urination at the Rainier Trails courts. "So there's a motion on the floor, to have a sign established at Rainier Trails Park that states tennis only," the mayor summarized during the discussion.
Council and staff extensively debated the legal effect and enforceability of such signage. A staff member and the mayor both made clear a temporary directional sign would not create a codified restriction: "It's not enforceable by code enforcement because you've not codified it. It's not enforceable by law enforcement," the mayor said, adding that any sign would operate on an 'honor system.' Council members proposed alternatives including directing players to Dwight Garrett’s newly resurfaced courts, using temporary signs for one month, or considering codification later if problems persist.
Council members also raised operational and equity concerns: neighbors reported missing restrooms and parking problems; some members urged caution about putting up a sign that the city could not back up with enforcement. Others argued a temporary sign is a low-cost test that could reduce tensions while staff tracks whether the newly resurfaced courts shift play.
The motion to install temporary signage, with language encouraging tennis and pointing to alternate courts, passed by voice vote. Staff will prepare a temporary laminated sign to be placed quickly and will evaluate results in about a month before any permanent action or policy change.
The decision does not change park rules or codify restrictions; council said any enforceable change would require a separate process to amend park regulations or ordinance language.
