Neighbors and park users raise wildlife, safety and water‑quality concerns over proposed Big Willow dog area and kayak access

Park staff presented an interim check‑in June 3 on updates to the Big Willow Park master plan, describing proposed changes to areas 3 and 4 that include a relocated off‑leash dog area, a naturalized canoe/kayak landing at Mills Landing, an expanded parking area and a pedestrian bridge spanning wetland bench.

The proposed dog area would be roughly a half‑acre, fenced and double‑gated, with about 10 new parking stalls (including three ADA stalls) and a four‑season restroom at the adjacent Mills Landing parking area. Staff said topography and wetlands constrain layout and that design would include screening and vegetated buffers.

Residents and frequent park users raised concerns in public comment. Claudia Gunlock, who lives on Burwell Drive and said she bird‑watches in the area, argued the creek and adjacent lands function as a wildlife corridor and warned that a dog park could displace wildlife and increase noise and nutrient loading in nearby wetlands: “Any dog park there will be disruptive. If you put in a dog park, we will see a lot of the wildlife depart.”

D. Brandt, who lives next to the proposed kayak launch, raised safety and tree‑health concerns, noting that dogs can escape at gates during busy arrival times and that construction, paving and fencing can damage root systems of legacy oaks. Brandt also asked whether parking for shelter rentals would conflict with dog‑park users.

Staff said design and implementation will follow regulatory permitting and city standards for stormwater management and tree protection. They identified Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as potential permitting partners for elements affecting the creek and wetland. Staff added that the wetland would not be located inside the fenced dog area and that buffers and mitigation measures would be required.

Habitat note and process Staff referenced the Natural Resources master plan, saying the site’s current habitat quality is rated as a “C,” signaling moderate ecological condition with strong restoration potential. They described the presentation as an interim check‑in and said the final draft will be posted to Minnetonka Matters for broader public comment before the board considers a recommendation to the City Council later this year; the board also plans a site tour during its September park‑board tour.

Next steps Staff asked for additional public feedback; the board agreed to solicit more comments before any recommendation. If the board or council endorses construction, staff said the projects would move into detailed design, permit review and subsequent construction phases.