Save off-leash dog access!
On April 23, 2025 Minnetonka Park Board approved the existing Purgatory Park Master Plan with the addition of barriers/fencing along the east primary trail (to reduce unwanted dog interactions). The park board voted 5-2 to present the this plan to City Council. This seemed like great news.
Unfortunately, the city staff asked the council to approve their plan for a small fully-fenced dog run during the May 5th council meeting, ignoring the fact that the Park Board rejected that proposal on April 23, 2025. It is unclear why city staff moved forward with a plan that was rejected by the Park Board and widely criticized by the city's work group assembled to establish designated off-leash areas.
On May 5th, City Council voted to delay the enforcement of the new off-leash dog ordinance beyond 5/19. The city manager (Mike Funk) estimated the development of a dog plan would take over one year. The city council cites safety issues with off-leash dogs and habitat degradation as reasons for revoking off-leash access.
At this time, we can still enjoy the un-groomed areas in Minnetonka parks off-leash.
Make your voice heard!
Urge the City Council and City Staff to keep Purgatory, Jidana, and other parks accessible for off-leash use. Let them know you support the Purgatory Master Plan and wish to expand off-leash access to more parks.
City council email addresses:
bwiersum@minnetonkamn.gov, dcalvert@minnetonkamn.gov, kwilburn@minnetonkamn.gov, pbolton@minnetonkamn.gov, rschack@minnetonkamn.gov, pramaley@minnetonkamn.gov, kcoakley@minnetonkamn.govCity Staff email addresses:
mkumka@minnetonkamn.gov, mfunk@minnetonkamn.gov, kodea@minnetonkamn.gov
Send an email to sway the final vote.
Share your positive experiences in off-leash areas
Include positive stories of off-leash dog walking and what it means to you.
Share how frequently you walk off-leash.
Support the Purgatory Park Master Plan
Urge the city council to vote yes on the Purgatory Park Master Plan (PPMP). The PPMP has already been discussed, researched, and approved unanimously by city council on 6/24/2024.
Park Board chair David Ingraham had the great addition of installing fencing along the eastern perimeter with the formal trail to prevent unwanted dog interactions. This will allow dogs to continue walking off-leash while eliminating the possibility they stray onto the formal trail. It’s the best possible outcome for improving safety while maintaining our freedom.
Clear signage and maps
Ask the city to install detailed maps and signage notifying patrons where they can walk off-leash and where they must leash their dog.
The community wants off-leash access
Justification for restricting off-leash dog walking in Minnetonka relied on unsubstantiated claims of safety risks and environmental degradation.
The Purgatory Park Master Plan is a reasonable approach that improves the design and accessibility of the park. The dog community is more likely to abide by a plan that has considered our needs and doesn’t unfairly restrict freedom.
Support installation of “fence gates” and signage where off-leash trails intersect with formal trails to remind patrons to leash-up.
Urge the city council to designate off-leash areas in more Minnetonka Parks, such as Jidana.
Decisions impacting popular recreational activities should be based on concrete data and evidence, not emotional appeals from a handful who are fearful of dogs. Parks should be designed with barriers and signage to reduce unwanted dog interactions (not by restricting ALL freedoms to make a few feel more comfortable).
The Purgatory Park Master Plan survey showed over 60% of respondents wanted no change (67% strongly or somewhat agreed that no change is needed to off-leash rules at Purgatory Park).
The city’s new dog ordinance bans off-leash dog walking in all Minnetonka Parks unless designated as an off-leash area (including Purgatory, Jidana, and Big Willow).
Dogs must be leashed in red areas and 50-ft from a maintained trail.