Park and Recreation - New Dog Park Proposed for Victory Neighborhood - New Off-leash Dog Park Proposed for Victory Neighborhood and Camden Community

MPRB to open new off-leash recreation area in north Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) approved plans for creating a new Off-leash Recreation Area (OLRA) in the Victory neighborhood in north Minneapolis at its Oct. 7 board meeting.

The new dog park will be located along 47^th Ave. N, between Osseo Rd. and Russell Ave. N commonly referred to as Victory Prairie. Just over an acre in size, the fenced-in OLRA will occupy the east side of Victory Prairie near Russell and Sheridan Avenues North. Other improvements to the area will include new seating.

Planned to open in spring of 2010, the OLRA will be the sixth dog park for the park system. “We are excited to announce the addition of another quality dog park,” said Park Board Commissioner Jon Olson.

Given the popularity of OLRAs, the availability of the location, and the call for more recreational amenities in north Minneapolis outlined in the MPRB’s Comprehensive Plan, the new dog park provides a unique opportunity to meet the growing needs of area residents, dog owners and other park users.

“Due to overwhelming success of dog parks and the demand for more, the Park Board has worked with the Victory neighborhood to bring another canine recreational opportunity,” said Olson. “We look forward to working with the McKinley neighborhood on the possibility of adding a dog park in their neighborhood as well.”

About Victory Prairie

The nine-acre Victory Prairie site is owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Soo Line Railroad Company, but the MPRB has long held a permanent easement to the property for recreational purposes, and for several years has maintained a native prairie garden and walking paths at the site.

About Off-leash Recreation Areas

OLRAs are specially designed fenced-in areas where dog owners can let their dogs off leash to run freely and interact with other dogs. Permits are required to use OLRAs, with fees going toward maintenance and Park Police patrols of the areas.

For more information about OLRAs, visit www.minneapolisparks.org – Parks & Lakes – Off Leash Recreation Areas, or call 612-230-6400.

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