Park Development • Off Leash Dog Area

An off leash dog area, also called a dog park, is an area where dogs can run, play and socialize off leash with their owners in an  enclosed, designated area.

The City has been evaluating potential off leash dog areas since 2005. A volunteer group of City residents has been meeting regularly since 2006 to help identify and evaluate sites with City staff. Proposed rules for a dog park have also been created by the group.

If the City chooses to design an off leash dog area, there will be opportunities for neighborhood input as well as a need for volunteers to help accomplish the construction and ongoing operation of the site.

On August 10, 2009, the City Council moved to put a hold on all park construction until park dedication fees are collected from development.  Due to lack of development at this time, the funding for park development is minimal.  As development funds are attained the City will begin the planning stages of the future projects.

Plans/Designs

• Map of Potential Sites  
• Blue Lake
• (new) MnDot

August 3, 2009 Project Status:
The City continues to search for a site that will be large enough to provide a good size dog park. MnDot parcel 43/37 was reduced in size and is not an ideal site at this time. MnDot parcel 75 is a parcel that is being transferred to the City and may provide an area for a possible dog park. Once the City obtains the parcel, staff will evaluate the available space and needs of the City.

September 11, 2008 Project Status:
The City continues to search for a site that will be large enough to provide a good size dog park.  MnDot parcel 43/37 was reduced in size and is not an ideal site at this time.

February 8, 2008 Project Status:
The February 11 Off Leash Dog Area Group Meeting has been postponed. Staff is waiting to receive further information on the MnDoT parcel 43/37 site.
 
Staff has confirmed with MnDoT the area we would like to use within the land that MnDoT has indicated is available. The parcel available has been significantly reduced in size from the original parcel. It is now around 4 acres in size. MnDoT is working on an appraisal of this area. After we get the appraisal, we will be ready to meet with the group again and discuss how to move forward.
 
The current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget adopted for 2008 does not allocate any funding for the Off Leash Dog Area this year. The slowdown in construction has reduced projected revenue for the Park Reserve Fund significantly, and the city has had to re-prioritize projects. Off Leash Dog Area funding is deferred to 2009, since there is not a final site selected. In 2009, the current plan shows $24,000 from Park Reserve and $20,000 in donations to be allocated for design and construction.

October 19, 2007 Project Status:

The Off Leash Dog Area group has decided not to proceed with a dog park at Scenic Heights Park at this time. The group is going to reevaluate the Blue Lake, MnDot Parcel and Southbridge Parkway sites. The group's next meeting will be at 6 p.m., Jan. 21, 2008, at City Hall. Click here for a list of upcoming meetings. 

September 11, 2007 Project Status:

The Off Leash Dog Area group met on Sept. 10 to hear feedback from the Aug. 27 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. The Advisory Board reviewed schematic drawings of two smaller City-owned sites: Scenic Heights Park and the Community Center. Due to the uncertainty of possible expansion or changes with the Community Center site, the Advisory Board preferred the Scenic Heights site and directed staff to hold a public Open House with neighbors and residents (see above). The MnDoT-owned site south of Town Square Mall has been identified as potential right of way for one of the proposed river crossings for CR 41 and is being studied in an Environmental Impact Study (EIS), which will be released in summer 2008. The Advisory Board decided to hold off on pursuing a lease for this site until after the CR 41 alignment is announced.

April 20, 2007 Project Status:

The Off Leash Dog Area group met on April 16 and decided that the preferred site to be proposed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board would be the MnDoT-owned site south of Town Square Mall. The site could potentially be leased from MnDot. This site would have higher initial development costs, as it is currently farmed and would need seeding trails and trees, in addition to fencing. However, the site is potentially available in 2008.

February 12, 2007 Project Status:
The Off Leash Dog Area Project was presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Dec. 18, 2006. Schematic designs for Tahpah Park and Blue Lake were presented along with proposed rules and operating policies and possible funding. The Advisory Board made a recommendation to the City Council in support of the project, and they favored the Tahpah Park site. On Jan. 2, 2007, the Off Leash Dog Area concepts were presented to the City Council. The Council directed staff to first pursue discussions with the owner of the Blue Lake site. Staff is working on establishing contacts to begin discussions on this site.

November 28, 2006 Project Status:
The fifth meeting of the Off Leash Dog Area Group was held Nov. 27. Discussion included: review of the proposed rules, review of the schematic price estimate for the Blue Lake site, funding and possible volunteer contributions. Plans were made to make a presentation to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board at the December meeting, at which time the Blue Lake and Tahpah Park sites will be detailed.

September 6, 2006 Project Status:
A new group of Off Leash Dog Area Users is forming with their first meeting scheduled for September 25th at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. This group will help evaluate sites and amenities for the future Off Leash Dog Area and provide input to the Parks & Rec Advisory Board and City Council.  Please see the upcoming meetings page for more information.

January 1, 2006 Project Status:
The city will continue to collect information on the most suitable of the three potential sites. Memorial Park was the site preferred by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, with the Blue Lake site second. Both of these sites have either easement or ownership issues to be resolved before this park development can occur. Though there is no funding in the current Capital Improvements Projects Budget for this project, the city has an Eagle Scout candidate who has offered to help fund and construct the Off Leash Dog Area through donations and using volunteer labor. Please check in with this website periodically to look for your opportunity to help!

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