Carver County's four-legged friends and their human companions will soon have their open spaces back. According to an announcement on the official Carver County Parks social media page, the off-leash dog area at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is on track to reopen by April 12. This follows a period of closure for the necessary removal of ash trees impacted by the emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation.
In the Facebook update, Carver County Parks shared that the initial phase of ash tree removal was "safely and successfully completed." However, a few more trees have joined the EAB casualty list and are slated for removal. During this time, when stumps will be rooting out in key locations, park staff will be preoccupied with several restoration efforts. They plan on distributing wood chips on trails, repairing perimeter fencing, and cleaning up the impacted parking area. And speaking of plans, the Parks Department is teasing us with a hint at a potential second phase of improvements later in the year.
The social media post included a snapshot of commitment featuring Commissioner Tom Workman, Commissioner Lisa Anderson, and Parks & Trails Supervisor Samuel Pertz, who have been monitoring the project area closely. Their guided tour likely aimed to assess the ongoing operations and ensure everything was moving according to the plan.
While the park's furry denizens have been temporarily dislodged from their romping grounds, their wait is nearly over. The promise of an Apr. 12 reopening gives residents and their pets something to look forward to in the spring. Dog owners itching to let their pals run rampant, leash-free, will be watching the calendar, counting down the moments until they can once again enjoy the park's amenities. Should those trees fall as planned, a spruced-up, bark-friendly zone will welcome them back with open arms—or rather, branches.
