New Hope City Council to speak on dog parks

Last update: May 30, 2008 - 9:31 AM

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Dogs in New Hope could soon have a new place to run, bark and play off their leashes.

The City Council has expressed support for a one-year trial of an off-leash dog park and will likely make the decision in June after hearing from residents.

At a council work session last week, city staff brought up the idea of converting three hockey rinks into pet areas during spring, summer and fall. The hockey rinks are located in Civic Center Park, Lions Park and Liberty Park.

The plan was modeled after the city of Crystal, which has four off-leash dog parks in its hockey rinks. Minor changes will be made to the rinks in order to accommodate dogs including: adding signage to display rules, addressing cleanup and owner responsibility, and providing a receptacle for bags and a garbage can.

Rules for dog owners could include making sure dogs are licensed and vaccinated, requiring leashes for entering or exiting the dog area, being liable for any damage or injury, and cleaning up after dogs. Dogs that are in heat would be prohibited from the park.

A neighborhood meeting will likely be held as part of the Citizen Advisory Committee meeting on June 16.

LORA PABST