Neighbors urge removal of Rainier Trails pickleball lines; council delays decision until Garrett Park resurfacing

Neighbors from the Stonebrook neighborhood asked the Enumclaw City Council on April 27 to remove pickleball lines at Rainier Trails Park after residents said daily play since May 2025 has produced disruptive noise for nearby homes.

Richard Gardine, speaking for Stonebrook neighbors, said: “We want to be clear that we are not opposed to pickleball. However, we are concerned about the location of the court at Rainier Trails Park … a pickleball group plays daily beginning in May and continuing through the summer months, creating a level of noise that directly affects those of us living in close proximity.” He told the council the parks board voted two weeks earlier to remove the lines and that funding is available to restore the court to tennis-only use.

Council members discussed the parks board recommendation and possible options. Several members — including those who live near or in the neighborhood and one councillor who said they play pickleball — said they were sympathetic to neighbors but preferred to wait until seven new courts at Garrett Park are resurfaced and opened (work expected to start May 18) so the city can see whether play shifts to the new facility. One council member noted concern about spending tax dollars to remove lines if resurfacing and new courts will provide alternative playing space.

Council agreed to discuss the matter again at its May 18 meeting and gave staff direction to monitor use once Garrett Park is available before taking final action to remove lines at Rainier Trails.

The transcript records the neighborhood request, committee discussion and council agreement to defer action; there was no formal vote recorded on removing pickleball lines at this meeting.