New Dog Park Location Revealed
Hi Dog Lovers – your Dog Park Correspondent, Ali Odenthal, reporting for duty! Don’t worry, my four-legged assistants, Dolly and Bee, are here too! There has been lots of discussion around the status of our beloved North Loop Dog Park at the corner of N 8th Avenue and N 3rd Street, so I am here to provide some context and updates around the upcoming changes.
Let’s start at the beginning. In 2008, the real estate development company Schafer Richardson was approached about “donating” this corner to use as a dog park. They agreed and have continued to pay the property taxes while the North Loop Neighborhood Association (NLNA) and its generous sponsors have paid for maintenance and upkeep, on the understanding that someday, the land would be sold to another developer. In the summer of 2025, Schafer Richardson notified NLNA of plans to sell the land, so we began partnering with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) to explore options for relocation.
What were the considerations when looking for a new location? First was land availability. As we all know, North Loop is a Minneapolis hot spot, and developers are eager to fill any open areas with new businesses, apartments, and parking facilities. The plans for the N 3rd Street park are already finalized, and that green space will be transformed into a tranquil gathering spot for the neighborhood. Importantly, any area identified would have to agree to at least a 20-year lease per MPRB regulations. Other considerations included safety, noise mitigation, and management of pet waste. MPRB was also interested in identifying an area with the ability to include other community amenities, like sport courts or public art displays.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the land under the highway off N 4th Street was identified, as it has already been part of a long-term plan by the MPRB (see page 95 of this plan if you’re really interested!). By working with the Minneapolis Parking Authority and MNDOT, this land could be leased by MPRB for that 20-year requirement. Traffic noise from the freeway above would help moderate the sounds of pups enjoying themselves at the park, and the freeway itself would provide coverage from rain and snow. There would also be additional space available to include public art, like at North Loop Green, or eventually construct pickleball or basketball courts…