Hoping to capitalize on the cold, hot or wet weather that discourages outside play, four dog lovers are planning to open a new indoor off-leash dog park -- "The Bark Park" -- in a Minnetonka business complex on March 10.
The 4,000-square-foot facility at 2814 Hedberg Drive in the Cedar/73 Business Park will have concrete floors, look much like a big gymnasium, and have a "community center feel, but for dogs," said co-owner Mindy Banko of Minneapolis.
The other owners are Banko's husband, Greg, and Bob and Kim Roach of Long Lake. For the record, the Bankos own spaniels and the Roaches own bulldogs.
"Our philosophy is that a well exercised and properly socialized dog is a happy dog," she said.
In a typical Minnesota winter "it makes a lot of sense to have a place where dogs can exercise and play," Banko said. "It will be a really nice, wide-open space."
The Minnetonka Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the Bark Park permit, which it is scheduled to consider on March 7.
Banko said her plan, assuming the permit is approved, is to open on March 10.
Unless dog owners drop off their dogs for day care, the Bark Park will require owners to remain with their dogs to control their behavior and clean up behind them.
