Memo - Dogs in the Parks
Public Works Department
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Copy:
Rick Getschow, City Manager
Park Board Members
~
From:
Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director
Date:
May 7, 2008
Subject:
Dogs in the Parks
At its March 17, 2008 meeting the Park Board unanimously approved a
recommendation to change City policy to allow leashed dogs in four of the largest City
parks - Burnes, Oakes, Valley and Central Parks.
Public notification & feedback: An article on the proposed policy change was
included in the April Hopkins Highlights and a front page notice on the City's web site
was also posted.
Six emails were received: 4 in favor and 2 opposed (see attached copies). Five phone
calls were received: all five were opposed.
De cription of proposed regulations. Leashed dogs would be allowed along the park
trails and open areas only; leashed dogs would not be allowed in picnic areas, athletic
fields, play equipment areas, park buildings, or surfaced recreational areas. I describe
the allowed areas as park trails and open areas vs. unimproved areas as users may
interpret unimproved as areas that are not mowed. It is the Park Board's intent that
leashed dogs be allowed on some of the mowed areas that are not athletic fields. The
actual language change in the City Code would make an exception for seeing-eye
(service) dogs and police dogs.
Revise City Code to reflect new policy on dogs. The current City Code section
830.31 Domestic animals. states: Dogs or other domestic animals are permitted only in
such areas as may be clearly marked by the signs bearing the words "domestic animals
permitted in this area," Nothing herein shall be construed as permittina the running of
dogs at large. Dogs in those areas where such animals are permitted shall be
restrained at all times on adequate leashes not greater than eight feet in length. The
Park Board proposes to change the working of the signs to: "Leashed dogs are allowed
in this park on trails and open areas only." Additionally, I propose to add the following
sentence to the end of the section: "Service dogs and police dogs are exempt from
these restrictions." The current City Code section 830.31 is attached.
Public notification plan. The April Highlights article states that City Council will
consider the policy change at the May 20 Council meeting. If the City Code is changed
a first and second reading will be needed. If more public input is desired an article
could be put in the June Hopkins Highlights stating that final ,action will be at the June
17 City Council meeting. Of course, the City web site would include updated front page
information, as well.
Sign wording and placement. I propose that the existing signs be modified by
blocking out the prohibition #5: "No Domestic Pets" and that a supplemental sign be
placed below the current City Park sign that states:
LEASHED DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON TRAILS AND OPEN AREAS ONLY.
DOG OWNERS MUST CLEAN UP AFTER THEIR DOG
DOGS NOT ALLOWED IN PICNIC OR PLAY AREAS OR ATHLETIC FIELDS
DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES
Placement of signs is as shown on the attached park aerial photos.
D g clean-up bags. At one time we had "Mutt-Mitt" dispensers at five locations along
the north section of the regional trail and the trail at the south edge of the Blake School
property. The annual cost of keeping the dispensers stocked was about $1,500. It
appears that the volunteer take & replenish boxes for dog owners work well at the off-
leash dog parks. I would propose that a small std mailbox be mounted only at trail end
locations that are separated from the main/active areas of the park. The boxes would
be labeled: "BAGS: add-a-bag/take-a-bag". These boxes would be replenished by dog
owners. A refuse container would be placed at the location of each bag dispenser.
Yard Waste Pick Up
Yard waste is collected the same day as regu-
lar refuse. Pick up is FREE April 21-May 8.
Place bagged yard waste at the normal refuse
collection site at least 4 feet away from your
refuse and recycling containers. Yard waste is
defined as leaves with twig stems no longer
than 4 inches, grass clippings, and similar
garden waste.
For more information, call 952-939-1382
or visit www.hopkinsmn.com/publicworks/
Igbb/brushyardpickup.html. .
City To Consider Dogs In Parks
Many residents want to walk dogs in city parks-this was one conclusion of the Park Board's
2007 survey. Dogs are currently not allowed in city parks. The Park Board and City Council are
considering changing the rules to allow leashed dogs along the trails and open spaces in the
city's four largest parks: Valley, Burnes, Oakes, and Central. Open areas in these parks could
accommodate leashed dogs without impact-
ing other activities or park users. Dogs
would not be allowed in picnic areas, play
areas, athletic fields, or other improved park
areas.
Dogs would be reqUired to be
leashed at all times.
The City Council is scheduled to consider
this policy change at its May 20 meeting. If
approved, the change would go into effect
on June 1, 2008.
If you'd like to comment on this proposal,
please contact Steve Stadler, Park Board
Staff Liaison, at 952-548-6350 or email
parkboard@hopkinsmn.com. .
partnenng wltl
the Communit)
Enhancing tht
Quality of Lifl
Hopkins City Code
(Rev. Sept 98)
830.29
(
830:29 Fireworks and explosives. Except as otherwise permitted by this code
no person may bring or have in his possession, or set off or otherwise cause
to explode or discharge or burn, any firecrackers, torpedo, rocket, or other
fireworks or explosives of inflammable material, or discharge them or throw
them into a path from land or highway adjacent thereto.
}>
830.31. Domestic animals. Dogs or other domestic animals are permitted only
in such areas as may be clearly marked by the signs bearing the words
"domestic animals permitted in this area". Nothing herein shall be construed
as permitted the running of dogs at large. Dogs in those areas where such
animals are permitted shall be rest:tained at all times on adequate leashes
not greater than eight fee in length (Amended Ord. No. 87-589)
830.35. Other rules. No person in a park may:
a) Fires. Build or attempt to build a fire except in such areas and
urider such regulations as may be designated by the director. . No
person shall drop, throw, or otherwise scatter lighted matches,
burning cigarettes or cigars, tobacco paper or other inflammable
material, within any park area or on any highway, road or street
abutting or contiguous thereto.
b) Closed areas. Enter an area posted as "closed to the public", nor
shall any person use, or abet the use of any area in violation of
.posted notices.
c) Loitering and boisterousness. Engage in loud, boisterous,
threatening, abusive, insulting or indecent language, or engage in
any disorderly conduct, or behavior tending to a breach of the
public peace.
d) Exhibit permits. Fail to produce and exhibit any permit from the
director upon request of any authorized person who desires to
inspect the same for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any
provisions of this code or rule of the director.
e) Interference with permittees. Disturb or interfere unreasonably
with any person or party occupying any area, or participating in
any activity, under the authority of a permit (Amended Ord. No.
87-599)
830.37. Merchandising, advertising and signs.
prohibited in a park:
The following acts are
a) Vending and peddling. Exposing or offering for sale any article
or thing, or stationing or placing any stand, cart or vehicle for
the transportation, sale or display of any such article or thing,
except by a regularly licensed concessionaire acting by and under
the authority and regulation of the park director.
)
Section 830
6
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Page 1 of 1
Steve Stadl r
Fr m: Sandy Saline [SSaline@sewardinc.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 12:53 PM
To: parkboard
Subject: Allowing Leashed Dogs In Parks
I am not currently a dog owner. I think this is a great idea.
.:~--:.
I also think there should be a VERY stiff fine for folks who don't clean up after their pets.
Sandy Saline
401 14th Ave N
Hopkins
952 930-1126
. 05/08/2008
Page 1 of 1
Steve Stadler
Fr m: Stephanie DenHartog [sdenhartog@usfamily.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:53 PM
To: parkboard
Subject: dogs in parks
Dear Park Board,
I urge you to allow dogs in parks in Hopkins. Dogs are such an important part of family life for those who have
them, and parks are an important part of family and community life, too. It's been difficult to even use the parks
without being able to bring along the family dog. Most dog owners are reliable and responsible for their dogs, to
clean up after their dogs and to supervise their dogs. And most reliable dog owners will actually supervise other
dogs and clean up after other dogs if necessary to keep parks dog-friendly. More families will come to the parks
if they can bring their dogs, and this will foster a feeling of belonging among community members, which creates
more untied communities who collaborate and socialize and feel connected.
From one dog-loving family, we urge you to open up Hopkins park to all dogs.
Thanks for allowing for community input on the issue.
Stephanie DenHartog
--- Get FREE High Speed Internet from USFamily.Net! ---
05/08/2008
Page 1 of 1
Steve Stadler
Fr m: Remington, Debra J [debra.remington@nwa.com]
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 04:23 PM
To: parkboard
Subject: Dogs in Park Proposal
Please consider passing this proposal... As a dog owner it would greatly benefit my dog and others in the
neighborhood. Is there any chance you would add Maetzold Field for early morning or late evening? An
off-leash park would also be a great benefit. I'm tired of paying Edina $50 a year and still needing to
drive there.
Thanks
Deb Remington
317 12th Avenue N
Hopkins, MN 55343
Debra J Remington
Project Lead - eLearning Design and Development
Northwest Airlines, Inc.
M.S. MSPJ 3210
1500 Towerview Road
Eagan, MN 55121-1346
612-727-8295
05/08/2008
Steve Stadler
Fr m:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Arthur Horowitz [horow001@earthlink.net]
Saturday, April 05, 2008 08:54 PM
parkboard
Dogs in the Parks
As dog owners we think-this is a great idea! But of course, owners must be required to
pick up and dispose of solid waste, and their dogs should have a current license.
Fran and Arthur Horowitz
830 Edgemoor Drive
Hopkins, MN 55305
2
Page 1 of 1
Steve Stadler
Fr m: Lisa Taylor [lisasteintaylor@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 08:59 PM
To: parkboard
Subject: Dogs in Hopkins Parks
Dear Steve,
I am totally opposed to the proposal to allow dogs in Hopkins City Parks. I understand that the proposal is to
allow only leashed dogs in certain areas of four of the city parks.
My three children are terrified of dogs, leashed or loose, and want to immediately leave any park as soon as they
spot a dog. This fear stems primarily from my son being bitten by a neighbor's dog who lives two doors away
from our neighborhood park. The dog rushed out as my children walked down to the park one day, bit my son,
and they've been terrified every since. We patronize most of Hopkins Parks, but I'll no longer be able to visit
some of them with my children if dogs are allowed.
In my neighborhood (Interlachen Park) people are already letting their dogs roam loose in the park. Neighbors
who live adjacent to the park treat the park as an extension of their yards and allow their dogs to run freely in
the park without supervision. If a dog appears in the park when my children are there, they immediately leave.
Dogs roam freely on other streets, as well. I find dog droppings in my yard all the time.
And while I'm on the topic of dog droppings, this is another reason I'm totally opposed to the dogs in parks. My
children have stepped MANY times in dog poop in Hopkins Parks. Dog owners are not cleaning up after their pets,
and I'm thorougly disgusted with their lazy attitude. There is nothing more gross than having your child fall in the
grass and have their hand land in a big pile of dog poop (this happened to my child).
My children have stepped in dog poop at Maetzold Field while attending my son's baseball games. Every year
people bring their dogs to Maetzold. When dog owners have been asked by HALL Baseball League officials to
leave Maetzold Field with their pets, they act offended. My son can't focus on his baseball game when there are
dogs running around.
If dogs are allowed in four parks, who is going to enforce the leash rules and keep the dogs and their owners in
the restricted areas? I'm sure there will not be continuous supervision of those areas by law enforcement. If
people are already bringing their pets to the playground areas (the areas where my kids step in the dog poop)
what is going to stop them from allowing their dogs to roam anywhere in the parks?
I pay taxes to keep our city parks clean and to enjoy them without having to worry about the presence of dogs. I
hope the City of Hopkins will not sanction the presence of dogs in our parks.
Lisa Taylor
137 Homedale Road
Hopkins
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05/08/2008
Steve Stadler
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
andersonjosh@hotmail.com
Sunday, April 06, 2008 12:01 PM
parkboard
No to dogs in parks
To whom it may concern,
Please vote no to the new proposal for leashed dogs in parks. Allowing dogs in parks will
reduce the safety for our young children. Also, dog droppings would also make our parks a
less pleasant place to be. Many other young familys in our nieghborhood do not wish to
have our children exposed to the risks of having dogs near them. Thank you.
Dr. Josh anderson
236 17th ave. n.
Hopkins ron 55343
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