Council approves temporary 'tennis-only' sign at Rainier Trails Park amid pickleball disputes

The Enumclaw City Council voted May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park that encourages tennis-only use and directs pickleball players to nearby Dwight Garrett Park.

Council member Smith introduced the motion to place a sign at Rainier Trails Park; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Council members discussed the measure at length, focusing on complaints the city had received about noise, parking on neighborhood streets and incidents of public urination near the courts.

Council member Smith said the sign would be an "honor system" approach because the city lacks a codified park restriction to enforce single-use courts. Several members urged outreach to the pickleball community and residents before or during the trial. Council member Marano emphasized the difference between an instructive sign and a regulatory change: "This is not enforceable; it's more instructive to people and we could certainly put language on a sign that directs someone to the Garrett Court," she said.

Parks staff and other council members suggested starting with a temporary sign while monitoring whether resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett Park alleviate conflicts. The council instructed staff to coordinate wording that encourages tennis use and provides directions and contact information for questions.

The motion passed by voice vote; the mayor announced the motion carried and staff was directed to produce a temporary sign and to follow up with the council after the trial period.