Minneapolis Park Board has voted to close the Minnehaha off-leash dog park by the end of the year

The park, which is considered a sacred Dakota site, has been the target of closure as of late, with Indigenous leaders and advocates saying the move is long overdue.

"Well, my 10 years at the dog park feels meaningful," said a woman who frequently walks her dog at the park. "It's nothing compared to the thousands of years of connection and culture that the Dakota community have to this land. I will miss the dog park, but I am more than willing to drive a bit further if it means that our robust and powerful Indigenous community have access to more of their rightful historical and sacred land."

Not everyone agrees, however. Thursday's meeting became contentious at times, with speakers advocating for and against the move.

"I would also like to challenge the board to perhaps consider providing another alternative solution where we can also have water access for our dogs," said one speaker. "In the land of 10,000 lakes, it does seem obscene that we have only one safe and legal area to recreate with our dogs in the water."

The park's off leash area will close by December 31, but it will still remain open to visitors.

According to the new rules for Minnehaha Park, dogs will need to be on leash at all times. By the time the off-leash area closes, the Park Board says it intends to look for new locations for off-leash parks in Minneapolis.