Purgatory Park Master Plan

Minnetonka Parks and City Policymakers and Staff;

With respect, we submit recommendations on two broad policy issues we feel important for you to consider as you craft guidelines governing the use, maintenance and planning affecting Purgatory Community Preserve and other Minnetonka Parks and Preserves. We share these thoughts not as technical experts but as Minnetonka residents respecting the value and presence of Minnetonka parks and using one or more every day, including frequent enjoyment of Purgatory.

1. The first broad policy issue we hope you review is “should park policy encourage park usage by residents of neighboring communities?” Because of attractiveness of Minnetonka parks, many neighbors use them. We did before we moved here. We suspect, and recommend, the response to that question is -- no problem, if the outcome does not unduly degrade our parks. If degradation is threatened, a policy response is appropriate.

Consider the specific issue of “unleashed dogs running free in Purgatory Community Preserve”. Neighboring communities appear to universally be governed by park policies that dictate that dogs in parks must be “on leash” or may run free in designated, fenced “dog parks” only.

If Purgatory policy allows unleashed dogs to run free in unfenced park areas, several consequences are inevitable, including extra traffic from dog owners from neighboring communities seeking unabridged space for their pets. This risks a higher degree of degradation in Purgatory, including risks to newly renovated prairie grass areas.

An effective policy response might be to adopt and implement a similar policy regime to those of our neighbors: “dogs on leash except in designated, fenced dog parks”.

2. A second broad policy issue we hope you address is to acknowledge that as Purgatory and other Minnetonka parks benefit from the significant restoration efforts of volunteers and City staff and managers, the result is, and will be, striking new nature experience opportunities- and we need to enable and protect those experiences with appropriate policies.

Our recent personal experience illustrates an emerging need.
In December we were treated to a unique experience in Purgatory. We were
walking west on the pedestrian trail south of the creek, 100yards west of the bridge and
abutting the woodland area recently cleared of buckthorn with “forestry mowers” by a
City contractor. In an exciting moment, a huge bird, subsequently identified as a
Barred Owl, swooped between mature trees and perched 25 feet above ground in one of
the trees. Wow! We had talked about driving to Sax Zim Bog west of Duluth to see these
magnificent birds- and here was one in our backyard!

We had been told that a benefit of clearing buckthorn from woodlands would be to
welcome birds - especially 3-4 foot wingspan birds like the owl who had just arrived
because it now had space to maneuver in the previously clogged woodland.

Unfortunately, a free- running enthusiastic dog that had been in the nearby “unleashed
area” also saw the arrival of the owl and immediately rushed to and barked at the base of
the owl’s tree- despite the attempts to call off the dog by its owner.

The dog continued barking excitedly and began leaping and pawing the tree. The owl had
enough and moved, gracefully, about 50yards away and perched again, only to have the dog follow with a repeat performance, accompanied by more earnest but unsuccessful calling off attempts by the dog’s owner.

This scenario was repeated yet again. However, when the owl was dislodged a third time,
it left the woodland area.

Nature experts suggest this owl might be reluctant to return to this area because of its
harrowing experience despite its more user-friendly buckthorn-free environment.

That would be a loss of future bird-sightings of particular note.

It also prompts the question: as Minnetonka parks are rehabilitated and become more
friendly for native creatures and plants, do our park usage policies need to be attuned to
these new nature- friendly opportunities? We suggest the answer is yes.

We also suggest that despite the excitement of dog encounters with owls, it is far more
socially valuable for the owl to return and take up residence in Purgatory’s woodlands
and thereby be available for repeated observation

We are reminded that Purgatory is a Community Preserve. "A preserve is area restricted
for the protection and preservation of natural resources such as animals or plants. –
Meriam-Webster."

We hope Minnetonka Parks’ dog control policy will improve potential for that
outcome. Purgatory Community Preserve deserves no less.

Jim and Mary Hammill

Minnetonka Parks and City Policymakers and Staff;

With respect, we submit recommendations on two broad policy issues we feel important for you to consider as you craft guidelines governing the use, maintenance and planning affecting Purgatory Community Preserve and other Minnetonka Parks and Preserves. We share these thoughts not as technical experts but as Minnetonka residents respecting the value and presence of Minnetonka parks and using one or more every day, including frequent enjoyment of Purgatory.

1. The first broad policy issue we hope you review is “should park policy encourage park usage by residents of neighboring communities?” Because of attractiveness of Minnetonka parks, many neighbors use them. We did before we moved here. We suspect, and recommend, the response to that question is -- no problem, if the outcome does not unduly degrade our parks. If degradation is threatened, a policy response is appropriate.

Consider the specific issue of “unleashed dogs running free in Purgatory Community Preserve”. Neighboring communities appear to universally be governed by park policies that dictate that dogs in parks must be “on leash” or may run free in designated, fenced “dog parks” only.

If Purgatory policy allows unleashed dogs to run free in unfenced park areas, several consequences are inevitable, including extra traffic from dog owners from neighboring communities seeking unabridged space for their pets. This risks a higher degree of degradation in Purgatory, including risks to newly renovated prairie grass areas.

An effective policy response might be to adopt and implement a similar policy regime to those of our neighbors: “dogs on leash except in designated, fenced dog parks”.

2. A second broad policy issue we hope you address is to acknowledge that as Purgatory and other Minnetonka parks benefit from the significant restoration efforts of volunteers and City staff and managers, the result is, and will be, striking new nature experience opportunities- and we need to enable and protect those experiences with appropriate policies.

Our recent personal experience illustrates an emerging need.
In December we were treated to a unique experience in Purgatory. We were
walking west on the pedestrian trail south of the creek, 100yards west of the bridge and
abutting the woodland area recently cleared of buckthorn with “forestry mowers” by a
City contractor. In an exciting moment, a huge bird, subsequently identified as a
Barred Owl, swooped between mature trees and perched 25 feet above ground in one of
the trees. Wow! We had talked about driving to Sax Zim Bog west of Duluth to see these
magnificent birds- and here was one in our backyard!

We had been told that a benefit of clearing buckthorn from woodlands would be to
welcome birds - especially 3-4 foot wingspan birds like the owl who had just arrived
because it now had space to maneuver in the previously clogged woodland.

Unfortunately, a free- running enthusiastic dog that had been in the nearby “unleashed
area” also saw the arrival of the owl and immediately rushed to and barked at the base of
the owl’s tree- despite the attempts to call off the dog by its owner.

The dog continued barking excitedly and began leaping and pawing the tree. The owl had
enough and moved, gracefully, about 50yards away and perched again, only to have the dog follow with a repeat performance, accompanied by more earnest but unsuccessful calling off attempts by the dog’s owner.

This scenario was repeated yet again. However, when the owl was dislodged a third time,
it left the woodland area.

Nature experts suggest this owl might be reluctant to return to this area because of its
harrowing experience despite its more user-friendly buckthorn-free environment.

That would be a loss of future bird-sightings of particular note.

It also prompts the question: as Minnetonka parks are rehabilitated and become more
friendly for native creatures and plants, do our park usage policies need to be attuned to
these new nature- friendly opportunities? We suggest the answer is yes.

We also suggest that despite the excitement of dog encounters with owls, it is far more
socially valuable for the owl to return and take up residence in Purgatory’s woodlands
and thereby be available for repeated observation

We are reminded that Purgatory is a Community Preserve. A preserve is area restricted
for the protection and preservation of natural resources such as animals or plants. –
Meriam-Webster.

We hope Minnetonka Parks’ dog control policy will improve potential for that
outcome. Purgatory Community Preserve deserves no less.

Jim and Mary Hammill

I believe that the city dog leash laws should be amended to state that "all dogs, while on public property, must be restrained by a 6', non-tractable leash unless otherwise posted". Purgatory Park should be posted as permitting off-lease dogs within the confines of the outer, maintained, trail. I see no reason to change the current regulations as they pertain to Purgatory Park and none have been offered, to date, publicly, by the Parks Board. I strongly oppose the "Preliminary Strategies Regarding Dogs" which was presented at the board meeting on Jan 6th.

Andrew

I believe that the city dog leash laws should be amended to state that "all dogs, while on public property, must be restrained by a 6', non-tractable leash unless otherwise posted". Purgatory Park should be posted as permitting off-lease dogs within the confines of the outer, maintained, trail. I see no reason to change the current regulations as they pertain to Purgatory Park and none have been offered, to date, publicly, by the Parks Board. I strongly oppose the "Preliminary Strategies Regarding Dogs" which was presented at the board meeting on Jan 6th.

Andrew

I agree with DKROM's comments. In addition, the role of the city is to establish policies, and create and enforce laws (ordinances). The existing leash ordinance is subjective and unenforceable (according to public testimony given by a Minnetonka Comm. Service Officer at the February 2023 Park Board meeting—one year ago!). This has led to few CSO patrols in the park and a largely blatant disregard by park visitors to follow any kind of rules, even when fellow park visitors politely ask another visitor to follow the rules. The posted rules (park sign) don't reflect ordinance language, nor does the description on the city website, and the current areas used by off-leash park visitors are in violation of the ordinance language because they are maintained areas. What needs to happen immediately is an ordinance revision. This cannot wait due to the significant public safety issue. How many people no longer visit the park over safety concerns? This information or data cannot be captured in community surveys. How many times will adjoining homeowners have to report that dogs run in their yards almost daily? How many accidents bikes/dogs, number of dog bites, number of dogs jumping on people, number of dogs aggressively barking at people, number of dogs not under voice command, number of owners not picking up after their dogs (even when they are asked to do so), or continued, unsustainable and unstructured use of a park leading to wholesale degradation will it take for us, as a community, to realize SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE! Please fast track the plan for leash ordinance revision, a designated, fenced area within the park for off-leash dogs, and a plan that aligns with the existing natural resource and parks and open space plan goals and recommendations. I look forward to community members working together on solutions and compromises that will make the park safe, equitable, and ecologically sustainable. Status quo is a non-starter because of the public safety concerns, unenforceable ordinance, and ongoing and unsustainable environmental degradation of this community preserve.

Purgatory Park needs an off leash dog park. Many visitors are fearful of off leash dogs. Purgatory has become home to many off leash dogs and a culture has developed there among many dog owners that it is place for them and their dogs to congregate thereby displacing many other trail users who would like to use the park but are fearful. I am a frequent visitor to many other Minnetonka parks and Purgatory is an outlier in terms of the shear number of off leash dogs in comparison to other parks. The dogs are also tearing up areas where active park restoration is taking place. It seems that some city officials and staff are hiding behind the notion that imposing rules for dogs and their owners in the park cannot be reinforced so nothing can be done. Surely there are other cities nationwide that have addressed the enforcement issue with success. What have they learned? It is time to more forward with a plan for the dog park.

Minnetonka needs to update/revise its leash ordinance, and then commit to enforce it. Because there has not been enforcement over the years, some dog owners have taken the position that they can do anything they want, without regard for the other park users. Many problems have been documented and reported by residents and the community service officers. I do think a large, fenced dog off leash area is warranted due to the number of dogs in this park. I've been to lots of dog parks; having a fence around a large area is not a negative thing. There is plenty of room to run without bothering a jogger or a walker on nearby trails. This would make Purgatory a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

The city needs to adopt a mandatory 6’ leash law throughout Minnetonka that puts people above pets. Too many citizens don’t use our parks because they have all become “off-leash” dog parks. Build a fenced dog area per city staff recommendation for those who feel the need to let their dogs run with others. This approach better aligns with restoration efforts and is fair to the vast majority of residents who do not have dogs or if so, understand that their dog off leash is neither good for their pet or their neighbors.

I agree with the proposal regarding a new designated off-leash area and the suggestion for a potential fence. This compromise continues to allow off-leash activities but clearly defines where this activity is appropriate. The argument for a fence is to physically enforce the boundary. If off-leash dog walkers are in compliance of the old regulations, this is not much of a change. This proposal allows for a hybrid of on-leash and off-leash dog walking and is a good solution to fit the needs of most park users.

I do not think anything needs to change. Rules just need to be abided by. Off-leash areas for dogs are so special and important for exercise and enrichment, and on-leash areas need to be respected by all.

Although not an official dog park, it is a place for people to meet with their canine friends to socialize and play. Same as those who do the same with their kiddos at a playground. There are posted rules that are reasonable but seem to be “optional” for some; those are the individuals that are making this a hard argument among home owners and those of us that just want a place to be with nature and let their dog run. These posted rules should be posted at all entrances and throughout the maintained paths; over educate us; as a reminder for those with dogs. I love being able to go somewhere and unwind with or without others allowing my dog to do what she does and that is run and exercise; same as me.

PLEASE leave it alone. You can not improve on nature. It is one of the few natural spaces. This should be only for Minnetonka residents and I do not want my tax dollars spent on ruining nature. No fences and if I want to see art I can go to a museum. It is a gem the way it is.

Leave I alone. Don’t add off leash dog areas to a beautiful area. Every time you guys touch something, you destroy the natural beauty. Just stop!

What a great idea to spend the effort to find out what the community wants however, as we all have learned over the past years, staff will 'recommend' whatever they see fit. However, if we truly develop this park for everyone, we are talking more than dog owners and paradise strollers. Wouldn't it be awesome if people of all ages could visit, play, learn, and participate in the process of developing a truly sustainable ecosystem we can all be proud of. Sadly, in spite of efforts to educate citizens of Minnetonka, too often there are recycling bins filled with plastic garbage bags. turf watering in the middle of a hot day thus burning the grass, overgrown buckthorn lots and woodchip filled street drains. This country has had 60 years at least of conservation efforts and I see inadequate effort by leadership to solve these issues although they have the means to. So please, climate change is not a partisan issue. The planet's resources are being squandered and if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Purgatory Park is a beautiful nature area that I truly enjoy. Almost everyday of the past seventeen years I've walked one of our dogs, walked with my family, or gone for a run in the park. I first started walking in the unmaintained areas in 2006 and then began walking on the maintained trails in 2018. Over those years there has been an increased effort by volunteers, and the city, to restore the park. Without these restoration efforts, the park would have continued to degrade into a park filled with invasive species. Unfortunately, either by increased use, or a shift in how it is used, the large, central, unmaintained area is degrading. The installation of a bench has encouraged the gathering of off-leash dogs, and their owners, basically turning that section of the park into what most people would call a dog park. Except without a fence. When I use the maintained trail I find that you experience off-leash dog issues more than when using the unmaintained trails. During the high use seasons, I have personally encountered off leash dogs on the maintained trails multiple times a month. While I have not witnessed any dog or human injuries in person, I have heard of serious bike accidents, dog bites, and falls on the ice all caused by off leash dogs. I have also frequently seen off leash dogs from the park entering our yard, and the neighbors yards, with a few occasions requiring me to clean up a dead animal mess. I hope this process can find some good solutions.

I think we all agree that Purgatory Park is a treasure meant to be shared with all members of the community. One reason it is a "wonderland" is because of the care with which the park staff maintain it. I visit Purgatory once or twice a day. It was a God send during the Covid lockdown. I live near the park and have develop a bond with many of the Minnetonka resident's that visit the park and others that have come from all over the metro to enjoy the park. As one resident says, "it is like the downtown gathering spot for many of the Minnetonka neighbors." I concur, I may get to other meeting areas in Minnetonka at most quarterly, however I see my neighbor's on a weekly sometimes daily basis at Purgatory Park. When it comes to making changes to the park I is important that we proceed cautiously because it is hard to improve on perfection.

Purgatory is a wonderland and a gift to everyone. I work at Scenic Heights and we use our outdoor learning center daily to introduce kids to the wilderness. I also live on Purgatory and our family and neighbors venture into the park all the time. We do not think anything needs to change. Rules just need to be abided by. Off-leash areas for dogs are so special and important for exercise and enrichment, and on-leash areas need to be respected by all. Although a fenced in area for all well behaved dogs to play together would be wonderful, I hate the idea of a big, unattractive fence being erected anywhere in our beautiful park.
Where the Red Barn currently is could be turned into a fenced in dog park or a playground area for kiddos. There is also a group of youth who would LOVE to see it turned into a whiffle ball field.

I love using the many unpaved trails with my dogs off leash and don’t mind having to put my dogs on leash to cross the paved trails. The ability to use the park that way is a unique and wonderful experience at all times of the year. I don’t think anything needs to change with the rules of the park, allow dogs to be off leash on the unpaved trails, while requiring dogs to be leashed while on the paved trails. This balancing allows the park to be used and enjoyed by all in many different ways. This set of rules just need to be reinforced, respected, and complied with by all users of the park.

I think it would be great if the inner paved trail in Purgatory were reserved only for walkers, restricting bikers to the upper trails. This would enable people to enjoy the park's many wonders without being hounded by bikers wizzing past.

I'd like the inner circle of the park reserved for walkers keeping bikers ( especially larger groups) in the upper areas of the park only. This would help preserve the sense of wilderness and serenity allowing walkers to stop and "smell the flowers" without being hounded by bikers wizzing by.