Neighbors urge removal of pickleball lines at Rainier Trails; council to revisit after Garrett Park resurfacing

During public comment, Stonebrook resident Richard Gardine asked the council to discuss removing pickleball lines that were painted at Rainier Trails Park in May 2025, saying daily play has created noise that significantly affects nearby properties. Gardine said the parks board passed a motion to remove the lines and that funding is available to restore the court to tennis use.

Gardine said neighbors are not opposed to pickleball itself but asked the council to act: “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.”

Council members debated options during committee reports and a full‑council discussion. Multiple council members said they preferred waiting to see how usage changes after the new seven‑court facility at Garrett Park is resurfaced and open (work expected to begin May 18) before removing lines at Rainier Trails; one member said removing lines now would be a poor use of tax dollars. The council agreed to revisit the item at the May 18 meeting.