Ivy Hills Dog Park Rumors Unfounded

A rumor in the neighborhood that an off-leash dog park could be in the works is unfounded, according to Jake Sedlacek, assistant to the city administrator.

Sedlacek is also the designated staffer for the city's Parks and Recreation Commission.

Resident Jean Knox reported receiving phone calls from concerned neighbors asking about the rumor. 

Mendota Heights parks only allow leashed dogs.

"This change would be a nightmare for many of us in this community," said Knox. "We already have problems with people who let their dogs run loose."

No plans on the subject have been formally discussed at the city level. A skim of 2012 parks commission meeting minutes did not turn up any reference to a dog park anywhere in the city. 

"There simply is not enough room (at Ivy Hills)," said Sedlacek.

He also said past experience indicates that residents are generally opposed to having an off-leash dog park in the city.

The closest off-leash dog parks to Mendota Heights are Kaposia Landing Off-Leash Dog Park in South St. Paul, and the newly opened High Bridge Dog park on Randolph in St. Paul.