[Mpls] Dog Park use permits required

[Steve Carnicom]

I just learned that a special permit, in addition to a license, is needed to use the Mpls. dog parks (or off-leash recreational areas as they are known).  This caught me by surprise (I don't have a dog) and wondered if others were aware of this requirement.  Any thoughts???      permit details: Minneapolis residents pay $25 a year for the first dog and $15 for each additional dog. Non-Minneapolis residents pay $50 for the first dog and $25 for each additional dog annually. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for the permit and Minneapolis residents must have pet licenses for their dogs. Permits can be obtained through the mail or by going to the animal shelter. Currently there are four areas open: Minnehaha Park, 5399 S Minnehaha Park Drive; Franklin Terrace, 925 Franklin Terrace; Lake of the Isles, 2845 E Lake of the Isles Parkway; Columbia Park, St. Anthony Parkway across from the Training Center.  I agree with Al (email below) that the proposed park under the Nicolett Avenue bridge at the Minneahaha Parkway is not a good location and problematic for dogs, owners, and neighbors.  The area currently used for archery, across the street from the Southeast corner of Lake Calhoun, seems like a better alternative.  <snip> From: "Al Giesen" To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 07:32:02 -0500 Subject: [Mpls] Dog Park at Nicollet and Minneahaha Parkway The Park Board has called a Public Meeting for Monday April 29th, 2002 at Lynnhurst Community Center (50th and East Minnehaha Parkway) at 6:30 p.m. The purpose is to review the site being considered under the Nicollet Bridge on the south side of the Parkway. A citizens committee commissioned by the Park Board rated this site 18th out of a total of 19 seriously considered. Yet it was rated by the Park Board staff as number 3 because it has little other use. (read good for nothing) This is a poor site for a dog park. The area is dominated by 10 bridge abutments each measuring 11' by 19'. Views are substantially obstructed so forget about keeping track of your dog. The obstruction of the view will also lead to this becoming the dirtiest of parks because who will pick up their dog's poop when they don't see the dog poop? Park Board staff has acknowledged the potential public safety issues given the bridge structure. Additionally, the rain runoff from the bridge is directed into this area and the water ponds until it evaporates or soaks in. Ahhh...nothing like the smell of lots of wet dog poop. Access by car is poor and parking is very limited. A member of the Park Board says that this is good because then this will become a neighborhood site that people will walk to.    <snip> Steve Carnicom Lynnhurst