Council approves temporary “tennis only” sign at Rainier Trails Park after pickleball dispute

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

Council members debated for more than an hour over neighbor complaints about noise, parking and public urination and whether a sign that cannot be enforced would create legal or community problems. Council member Smith moved for the sign; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Supporters said a sign is a low-cost, immediate step to steer players to larger courts with restroom facilities. “We encourage you to go play on the new courts at Dwight Garrett,” one council member suggested as sample language for the sign. Opponents warned that posting non-enforceable restrictive language could generate disputes if neighbors point to signage without the council having codified a restriction.

Parks staff and council members discussed temporary versus permanent signage, potential reimbursement if court striping is later restricted, and the option of later pursuing a codified rule if problems persist. Staff noted temporary signage could be installed quickly while the city monitors whether the resurfaced alternative courts relieve pressure on Rainier Trails.

The council asked staff to use language that invites players to the alternate courts rather than purports to legally ban pickleball. The temporary sign will be reviewed after a short trial period; further action, including potential codification of restrictions, was left for a later meeting if problems continue.