In the spring of 2006, dog owners living in Downtown Minneapolis came together to increase the amount of convenient opportunities for their dogs to exercise and socialize together off-leash, an activity that promotes healthy, well-behaved dogs. The four existing dog parks in Minneapolis, owned and operated by the Park & Recreation Board, were inconvenient for the urban dwellers and their canine companions who are the ones that need them the most because open space is limited and intensively used. As a result, otherwise responsible dog owners did most of their walking along the sidewalks leaving a coat of urine and feces residue on our streets, boulevards and parks, which presents a health hazard, as well as aesthetic issues.

After investigating the problem, talking to constituents and researching best practicies in other cities around the country, the project was spearheaded by Council Member Lisa Goodman. Initially, the project was envisioned as a public-private partnership, but it quickly became clear that a legal entity was needed, so "Dog Grounds", the not profit organization, was created. Members of the community were recruited and elected to the newly-formed Board of Directors, and work began on the first three dog play areas.

Progress: