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.
Dogs can still play at the current dog park on 8th Ave. N. and N. 3rd St.
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.
This is a draft illustration of what the new dog park under the viaduct could look like.
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.
MPRB anticipates it could cost $250,000 to create the required infrastructure and the physical dog park. Funding could be provided via Park Dedication dollars, which developers are required to pay to the city when they build here. A source for operational costs would also have to be identified, but these could be covered or reduced through avenues like Stewardship Agreements, business sponsorships, and neighborhood volunteers.
Phase 1 of the transformation under the viaduct would feature a dog park, with the potential for more activities in additional updates.
But what does the neighborhood think? To get feedback, NLNA and MPRB held an information session on February 3rd. Michael Schroeder, the Assistant Superintendent for Planning at MPRB, presented the team’s proposal and budget. After hearing the history of the dog park and explanation of the various needs for the location, attendees were overall supportive of this location and the associated plans. Concerns around safety and lighting were expressed, and both NLNA and MPRB acknowledged this as a priority.
Minneapolis Parks Assistant Superintendent for Planning Michael Schroeder, (2nd from right) explains the new dog park location to North Loop dog parents. Your dog park correspondent Ali Odenthal is 3rd from right.
Next steps for relocation of the park include gathering further input at additional community meetings and formalizing agreements with MNDOT and the Park Authority to officially acquire the space. While Schroeder recognized that there are still some unknowns remaining, he projected this new location could be operational by 2028.
Want to be involved? Have feedback? Stay connected to NLNA through our website, social media, and newsletter to learn of upcoming meetings and additional updates.
— Ali Odenthal, NLNA Board Secretary and Dog Mom