Leash Law and Dogs at Parks

The community work met in January and February to develop Minnetonka's Off-Leash Dog Strategy and Guidance Document. The Minnetonka Park Board will review the document at its April 23 meeting. No public comment will be taken by the Park Board during the meeting, but submitted comments will be provided as an addendum to the packet after it is published. The plan is scheduled to be presented to the Minnetonka City Council at its regular meeting on May 5.

• Park Board Agenda Item 7a - Off-Leash Dog Strategy for Minnetonka Parks
• Community Workgroup Outputs
• Community Workgroup Feedback

The Off-Leash Dog Community Workgroup held its second meeting on Feb. 19. Discussion focused on ideal characteristics of off-leash areas and site selection criteria. At the next meeting on March 19, the group will apply the criteria to parks throughout the city with the intention of recommending areas to the city council in May.

The Off-Leash Dog Community Work Group met on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The meeting was designed to introduce members to the process, establish themes and goals and begin identifying key site characteristics for designated off-leash areas. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19.

Community Work Group for Off-Leash Dog Areas in Parks

The city is seeking seven to nine residents to serve as members of a volunteer community work group to help guide the development of off-leash dog areas in city parks and other city owned properties. This group will provide diverse perspectives, ensure balanced representation and foster collaboration to shape policies that reflect the needs and values of Minnetonka residents.

Overall Group Composition (13-15 members total)

• Public Works/Natural Resources staff
  • Leslie Yetka, Natural resources manager
  • Matt Kumka, Park and trail project manager
• Public Safety/Police
  • Capt. Rachel Meehan, patrol services
• Park Board members
  • Dave Ingraham
  • Anne Hanley
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission member
  • To be determined
• Residents associated with existing public interest groups
  • PAWS (Minnetonka Paws for Parks) – Two members
  • FOMP (Friends of Minnetonka Parks) – Two members
• Residents applicants from outreach effort
  • Three to five members based on interest and availability

This interest form will be open to all from now until Dec. 31, 2024. Individuals who submitted an interest will be contacted by Jan. 10, 2025 and notified if they were selected (or not selected) for the work group.

Principles for Member Selection

The city will select members based on the following principles:

1. Demographic Representation: The city aims to create a membership group that reflects the demographics of Minnetonka residents, including diverse racial, ethnic, age and gender identities.
2. Balance of Power: The group will not include elected officials and will limit staff participation to a facilitative role, ensuring the group’s focus remains resident-driven.
3. Respectful and Productive Space: Members must demonstrate a willingness to engage constructively, respectfully and collaboratively. Individuals seeking to disrupt or derail the process will not be selected.
4. Resident Engagement: Only Minnetonka residents may participate, ensuring local voices shape city policies.
5. Community Organization Partnerships: Community organizations may nominate individuals who align with these principles to strengthen the group’s effectiveness and representation.