Save off-leash dog access!
On April 23, 2025 the 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 Purgatory Master Plan to City Council May 5th. Great news for us!
The Park Board received tons of emails from the public about off-leash dogs before their vote on 4/23. Your feedback most definitely swayed the outcome.
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).
As of May 19, off-leash dog walking will be banned in all other Minnetonka Parks (including Jidana and Big Willow). We want to preserve off-leash access in all parks, but first we must get the Purgatory Master Plan approved so that it can be a model to expand off-leash dog access into more parks.
Dogs must be leashed in red areas and 50-ft from a maintained trail.