Stonebrook neighbors urge removal of Rainier Trails pickleball lines; council delays decision until Garrett Park courts open

Stonebrook residents asked the Enumclaw City Council on April 27 to remove pickleball lines painted last year at Rainier Trails Park, saying daily play has created sustained noise for nearby homes.

"We want to be clear that we are not opposed to pickleball," said Richard Gardine, who spoke for Stonebrook neighbors. "However, we are concerned about the location of the court at Rainier Trails Park, where pickleball lines were added in May 2025. A group plays daily through the summer months and the noise directly affects those of us living in close proximity." Gardine told the council some properties are roughly 30 feet from the court.

The parks board previously passed a motion recommending removal of the pickleball lines, Gardine said, and residents told the council funding is available to resurface the Rainier Trails court this year.

City council members spent substantial time discussing the issue during committee reports. Several council members said they prefer to wait until the new Garrett Park courts — a seven-court facility scheduled for resurfacing and lining — are open and in use before removing play lines at Rainier Trails. "Let's get the new court surfaced and lined out and then see what the use is," one council member said during the discussion. Others stressed fiscal prudence, noting the city would incur costs to remove lines and could consider whether resurfacing Garret Park changes local play patterns.

Councilmember Storton (speaking in the meeting) said he supported removing the lines if Garrett Park offers sufficient capacity, calling Garrett a "proper facility" that should reduce demand at Rainier Trails. Councilmember Kevin Orsut said he was reluctant to remove facilities from the public without first providing a clear alternative and favored waiting for Garrett Park's resurfacing.

The council directed staff to place the topic on the May 18 agenda for further discussion after Garrett Park work begins. At the April 27 meeting city staff and multiple council members flagged the need to monitor actual use at Garrett Park before taking permanent action at Rainier Trails.

Why it matters: The decision balances residents' quality-of-life complaints with demand for active recreation and the city's fiscal considerations. Removing lines ahead of a new facility could shift play to other parks; waiting allows the city to evaluate whether the new courts relieve neighborhood impacts.

What happens next: The council will revisit the matter at its May 18 meeting, after resurfacing and lining work at Garrett Park is underway.