There are four existing off-leash recreation areas (OLRAs) in Minneapolis, owned and operated by the Park & Recreation Board. The two that are closest to Downtown dog owners are:

• Lake of the Isles OLRA (due south of the lake across the Parkway),
• Minnehaha OLRA (54th Street and Hiawatha Avenue, follow the marked walking path to the dog park)

There are also about 16 other dog parks in the broader metro area.

In order to use any Off-Leash Recreation Area in the City, including the new Dog Grounds play areas, dog owners must first obtain an Off-Leash Park Permit and a Minneapolis Pet License. The applications for each can be found on both the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the Minneapolis Animal Care & Control websites. Just download, print, fill them out, and send them back with proper payment and a copy of required veterinary records, and your license, permit and a receipt will be mailed to your home or office.