Your North Loop Dog Park Questions, Answered
Wait. What’s happening?
Construction will begin in early 2026 on a new business at the corner of N. 3rd St. and 8th Ave N. where we’ve had an off-leash dog park for many years. Our dogs will still be able to use the park until Jan. 30, possibly longer, depending on the weather and the new owner’s construction schedule.
How could this happen?
The previous property owner, Schafer Richardson, allowed the neighborhood to use the undeveloped corner lot as a dog park for many years, free of charge, with the understanding that someday it would be sold for development. That day has come.
NLNA volunteers have devoted hundreds of hours to maintain the park and collect donations from generous North Loop business owners to pay for expensive repairs and upkeep.
But with all the dogs here, we still need a dog park.
The NLNA and the MPRB have identified some space that would work. It’s currently owned and controlled by a number of public agencies. We have a volunteer working to get the MPRB to be named the controlling public agency so they can then convert it to a dog park. If we can get all the public agencies to approve, we think a new dog park is very possible. The NLNA understands the importance of a dog park and we’ll keep you updated!
How about the new park across the street on N. 3rd St.? Could it have a fenced-off area for dogs?
No, the Park Board approved the plans for the park last summer, based on community input. The NLNA and the MPRB held more than 10 public meetings about what the community wanted out of the new park, and even knowing the dog park would likely be going away sometime in the future, a dog park did not come up as a priority.
So what are dog owners supposed to do in the meantime?
We have options!
North Loop Green’s off-leash dog run is free and open to the public every day from 7am to 10pm. (Dogs are welcome on The Green but must be leashed.)
The author’s dog, Millie, would love to see more friends at the North Loop Green dog run!
If your dog lives to hear “Wannagoforaride?,” there’s Gateway Dog Park downtown, and large off-leash, fenced dog parks in St. Anthony and at Lake of the Isles. There’s also a service called Sniff Spot, where homeowners rent their fenced-in backyards to dog owners for a fee.
This is also a great opportunity to support our locally-owned businesses:
- Unleashed Hounds and Hops lets you watch your dog run around while you enjoy food and drinks
- Barks & Rec, Metro Dogs and Dog Wellness Club offer doggie daycare with outdoor spaces for dogs to run and play
- City Paws has indoor doggie daycare facilities
Finally, with our beautiful path along the river and dog-friendly coffee shops, retailers and patios, the North Loop is still a great place to be a dog!
By Mary Binkley, NLNA Board Member, Volunteer and Dog Mom