Council approves temporary ‘tennis only’ sign at Rainier Trails Park after noise and parking complaints

Enumclaw’s City Council voted May 26 to place a temporary sign at Rainier Trails Park encouraging use for tennis only and directing players to the newly resurfaced courts at Dwight Garrett, after residents and council members reported noise, parking and sanitation complaints.

The motion, introduced by a council member and seconded, passed by voice vote after extended discussion about the sign’s intent and enforceability. Councilmember Martineau summarized public safety and nuisance concerns that motivated the proposal and asked the chamber and staff to help implement safety‑oriented language. “This is coming from me… attendance for July 4 is expected to increase significantly,” Martineau said, noting the request grew from meetings with event staff, police and the chamber.

Council members repeatedly cautioned that a simple sign would be advisory rather than regulatory. One councilmember said the city has no code enforcement mechanism for single‑use restrictions on a park court unless the council codifies such a rule. Staff confirmed a temporary sign is a low‑cost, immediate option and that a permanent or codified restriction would require a different legal process.

Members recommended outreach to pickleball groups and residents, and discussed offering temporary signage while monitoring whether the new Dwight Garrett courts reduce pressure at Rainier Trails. Concerns raised during debate included parking impacts on adjacent residents and downtown businesses and whether the city should reimburse stripe or resurfacing costs if the city later restricts a court’s use.

The council instructed staff to prepare temporary signage with language encouraging tennis use and providing directions to alternative courts; the motion to place the temporary sign passed.