What’s happening with off-leash dog access?
New signs were installed at Purgatory Park with maps of off-leash areas and dog rules in early December, 2025. The maps can be a little tricky to interpret. Most of the dirt trails we have been walking are the same as usual. The old rules apply – leash your dog on the formal trail, parking lots, and trail crossings.
The city is actively collecting dog complaints through its website. Off-leash walkers have seen people trying to capture dog violations on video or intentionally create conflicts. Be vigilant about leashing on formal trails and picking-up poop. The city will be using data on "dog violations" to inform future decisions, including installation of permanent fencing.
We have heard about multiple incidents where off-leash dog walkers are being harassed while walking on informal trails. We spoke with MTKA Police Captain Rachel Meehan to ask how off-leash walkers should handle confrontations. Captain Meehan recommended the following:
If people feel unsafe, immediately call the police so they can respond.
For incidents where off-leash dog walkers are getting harassed, but don’t feel the need to call 911, they can email Captain Meehan anytime at: rmeehan@minnetonkamn.gov
If you would like to report a previous incident of harassment or intimidation, please email rmeehan@minnetonkamn.gov. Include details like the date, description of the confrontation, exact location, and description of the person involved.
Recap of the Aug 25, 2025 City Council Meeting:
Watch a video of the meeting HERE
Read meeting minutes HERE
View the meeting packet HERE
Change in stages: City council voted 4-1 to approve a "phased approach" to Purgatory Park off-leash dog areas. Paula Ramaley, the only "no" vote, is staunchly against dogs.
What was passed? "Motion to adopt the off-leash dog implementation plan for Purgatory Park and Resolution 2025-067, directing staff to pursue a trail corridor through Area 1 that does not impinge upon the sensitive prairie areas and requesting staff bring this plan back to the council with data by June 2, 2026."
Phase One – Signage: Install new signage. Some of this signage will include a QR code to submit complaints on off-leash dogs.
Phase Two – Seeking Dog Complaints: The city will be implementing "quick reporting" for bad dog behavior. There will be signage with a QR code for people to make reports and supposedly enable "quick response" by the police.
Phase Three – Data Analysis: The city will use data on dog complaints to determine the need for fencing in the future. This data will be presented to the council with staff recommendations June 2, 2026.
The Prairie (Area 1): Council voted 4-1 to include an off-leash trail in Area 1. They stipulated that the off-leash trail will likely be moved further west to avoid the "high value prairie habitat," as determined by city staff.
South Woods (Areas 2-3): The city will install signs designating off-leash dog areas and rules. It's unclear whether all our current trails will continue to be off-leash or if the city will designate trails only on its proposed map HERE.
Parking on Stodola Rd: Initially the city will allow parking at the cul-de-sac on Stodola Road, but eliminate street parking from the cul-de-sac up to Creek Park Road. The city measured that 50 cars/day park off Stodola vs. 250 cars/day in the Excelsior Blvd lot.
Public Input Made a Difference:
- A number of the speakers from the public addressed the need for Area 1 to have off-leash access.
- Parking headaches on Stodola and accommodation for people with disabilities were reasons council asked city staff to create an off-leash "corridor" in Area 1.
- Without your emails to council members, attendance at park board/council meetings, and engagement, off-leash dog access would have disappeared long ago. Sometimes it's easy to throw up our hands and think we can't make a difference. This group has shown that we can drastically change the outcome and I am very proud of our community!
See you on the trail!
Paws For Parks Board
PS: PawsForParks met with candidates for Nov 2025 MTKA city council and mayor. View a guide that details each candidate's position on dogs: HERE.
Make your voice heard!
Email the City Council and City Staff to keep Purgatory, Jidana, and other parks accessible for off-leash use. Let them know you support the Paws For Parks 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