Off-Leash Dog Area Improvements
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Project background
In 2017, Parks & Recreation completed an extensive community engagement process to develop a system-wide Off-Leash Dog Area Master Plan to address future long-term improvements. Outcomes from this master plan provided improvement guidelines for dog parks throughout the Ramsey County park system.
Overall project goal and objectives
Project goal
- Ramsey County is preparing for phased project improvements to the Battle Creek, Otter Lake and Rice Creek dog parks. It is estimated several phases will be required to complete all improvements, but Phase 1 improvements are planned from late 2022 through Spring 2023. Improvements will include fencing and entrance areas, limited trail connections and phased access to potable water.
Users will be asked for additional feedback as additional funding is secured for larger projects.
Project objectives
- Standardize long-term improvements throughout off-leash dog areas including:
- Accessible routes and entrances.
- Improved trail conditions.
- Small dog areas.
- Fencing improvements.
- Potable water for dogs and humans at main entrances.
- Accessible concrete bench pads and trash receptacles.
- Improve site conditions and natural environments.
- Provide additional site amenities for dogs and humans.
- Improve signage.
Concepts
Budget
Phase 1 - $200,000
Phase 2 - To be determined
Construction
Battle Creek
- Anticipated start date is Monday, June 5, 2023.
- Construction area will be temporarily closed until restoration has been completed.
- Park access will be maintained throughout construction.
- Please be respectful of construction crews, temporary access and remain out of any fenced off areas.
Otter Lake
- Anticipated start date is Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
- Construction area will be temporarily closed until restoration has been completed.
- Park access will be maintained throughout construction.
- Please be respectful of construction crews, temporary access and remain out of any fenced off areas.
Rice Creek
- Anticipated start date is Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
- Construction area will be temporarily closed until restoration has been completed.
- Park access will be maintained for as much of the construction as possible, but the park may be closed some days during business hours to complete interior fencing.
- Please be respectful of construction crews, temporary access and remain out of any fenced off areas.
Phase 2
- Seek additional funding for further improvements and larger projects.
- Timing to be determined. Schedule is dependent on funding.