What’s happening with off-leash dog access?

The dog community had a large presence at the 8/25/25 council meeting. Our community should be proud of the rapid and effective way we have come together to preserve off-leash dog access.

PawsForParks has been meeting with candidates for MTKA city council and mayor. View a guide that details each candidate's position on dogs: HERE.
The last special election for city council received 8% voter turnout – only 2,770 total people voted. Our community of 800+ off-leash dog walkers has the potential to decide this election.

Outcome of 8/25/25 Council Vote & Next Steps:

  1. How should I walk my dog now? What's happening with off-leash?

    • Purgatory Park still has signs designating the informal trails as off-leash dog areas. We have been walking the dirt trails as usual. The old rules still 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. 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. 

    • It is no longer legal to walk off-leash in other Minnetonka Parks that don't display signage designating off-leash dog access. However, I don't believe this is being actively enforced. 

  2. 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

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.gov

City Staff email addresses: 
mkumka@minnetonkamn.gov, mfunk@minnetonkamn.gov,  kodea@minnetonkamn.gov