Laserfiche WebLink
Parks and Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes <br />September 12, 2022 <br />Page 6 <br />1 In 2014, the Commission reviewed the topic of a dog park, and the focus was the ice rink in <br />2 Central Park for a dual use. After hearing from an official from the Minneapolis Park Board at <br />3 that time, it was determined: <br />4 <br />5 The Commission consensus after the presentation was that this project would be a real <br />6 challenge for the following reasons: <br />7 Area chosen not large enough for Dog Park. <br />8 The need for a different type of surface other than grass (wood chips are the best <br />9 surface). <br />10 Fencing around the rink would need to be upgraded. <br />11 Potential noise problems for nearby residents. <br />12 It is necessary regardless of the size and layout, separation between large and small <br />13 dog is absolutely necessary (reduces dog fights). <br />14 <br />15 A report was attached summarizing best practices for placement. Staff focused on this section <br />16 for evaluating potential sites for a dog park before considering other aspects such as design or <br />17 management. The following are the key components: <br />18 <br />19 Size – The recommended minimum size for dog parks varies considerably among cities, but is <br />20 generally between ½ acre and one acre. <br />21 <br />22 Buffer from Residential – A few cities provide definitive distances from residences, varying <br />23 from 50 feet to 200 feet. All strive to minimize conflicts and include guidelines such as <br />24 making sure that noise and activity levels are no more than other park users, importance of <br />25 screening or visual buffers, and having a minimal impact on residences. <br />26 <br />27 Parking – Recommendations include that parking should be readily accessible, close to the <br />28 site, sufficient/adequate size, and convenient. There were no standards for size; rather it is <br />29 important to consider parking when locating a dog park. <br />30 <br />31 Use Conflict Avoidance – Guidelines include avoiding play areas and other recreational <br />32 amenities, high use areas, natural areas and water sources, wildlife, trails, community gardens, <br />33 and historic sites. <br />34 <br />35 Staff reviewed the City’s parks layout and usage and other city-owned property, and was <br />36 unable to identify an appropriate location that would meet all or most of the key criteria <br />37 above. So, in order to add a dog park current usage and/or amenities would need to be <br />38 eliminated. As a result, staff’s opinion is not feasible at this time. <br />39 <br />40 The City’s website lists a handful of dog parks within a reasonable distance. The closest one <br />41 being the St. Anthony Parkway Off-Leash Dog Park located at 700 St. Anthony Parkway, <br />42 Minneapolis, MN. Silverwood Park within St. Anthony includes a one-mile dog trail that is <br />43 maintained year-round. <br />44