Since 1967, the cities of Hopkins and Minnetonka have jointly planned and provided community recreation programs for their residents. The Joint Recreation Board directs the Recreation programming and services. The Board consists of residents from Hopkins and Minnetonka. Each city is responsible for maintenance of its own parks.
Minnetonka City Hall
Recreation Services
14600 Minnetonka Boulevard
Minnetonka, MN 55345
www.eminnetonka.com
City To Consider Allowing Leashed 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 impacting other activities or park users. Dogs would not be allowed in picnic areas, play areas, athletic fields, or other improved park areas.
Signs at trail ends would list rules for dog owners (i.e. picking up after them, must be leashed at all times, areas where they are not allowed). "Add-a-bag/Take-a-bag" dispensers would be provided at some locations for dog owners to store bags used for dog clean-up.
The City Council is scheduled to consider this policy change at its May 20, 2008 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.
2007 Park Survey Results
The Hopkins Parks Department surveyed hundreds of residents to find out how they feel about their parks and how the parks might be improved. The park-specific feedback received is very valuable to the City and the Park Board and will be used to help plan the most cost-effective way to maintain and improve Hopkins’ parks in the years ahead. There were many positive comments on the park system and many people expressed a strong belief in the importance of our parks for both the neighborhoods and the city as a whole.
Read all park-specific information from the returned surveys or jump to a specific park by clicking on the park links below: