New park is left to the dogs
Area dogs and their owners were able to explore Eagan’s new dog park for the first time in Thresher Fields Park during opening day on July 17. – Photo by Jessica Harper
Eagan’s off-leash park opens
Dogs both large and small are able to run free in Eagan for the first time, thanks to a new off-leash dog park.
The six-acre fenced dog area at Eagan’s Thresher Fields Park opened July 17 and features trails, and a rugged natural setting for dogs and their owners to explore.
“There was only one thing missing in Eagan to make it a perfect city and that was a dog park,” said Alan Miller, who, along with his wife, Sharon, brought his dog, Dakota, to the park on Tuesday.
Miller and his wife previously brought Dakota to dog parks in White Bear Lake and Burnsville and said they were glad to have one close to home.
“It has some really unique features and the dogs love it,” he said.
The park also includes an area for small dogs and a lake shore with a gated access to the lake for water-loving dogs.
The dog park at Thresher Fields will be open year round, consistent with park hours and rules. Water and restrooms will be available on a seasonal basis.
Eagan’s Parks and Recreation department had tossed around the idea for the dog park several years.
“There was a lot of advocacy in our citizenry which allowed us to come up with pretty grounded plans,” said Paul Olson, Eagan park supervisor.
Eventually the city settled on Thresher Fields due to its natural features and available land.
Mayor Mike Maguire and the City Council marked the park’s opening Tuesday with a ceremonial breaking of a leash.
The greatest challenge for park officials will be staying ahead of waste and other maintenance issues in the dog park, Olson said, adding that dog owners will be responsible for bringing their own waste bags.
Eagan isn’t the only city to open a dog park in recent months. St. Paul opened one off Shepard Road in June.
Residents and visitors will be required to obtain a permit and color-coded collar to enter into the dog park. Permits must be purchased in person at Eagan Parks and Recreation, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, or the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway.
The permit fee will cover the operational costs of the park.
For more information, visit www.ci.eagan.mn.us or call (651) 675-5500.
