IN THIS ISSUE

• Otter Lake Off-Leash Area Temporarily Closed
• Annual Earth Day Parks Cleanup Set for April 26
• Safety at the OLDAs and Camera Funding

SITE UPDATES

RICE CREEK

The new restroom building will open later this spring once weather conditions allow us to turn on the water access and complete some finishing touches to the facility.

Please try to avoid walking on and/or allowing your pet to walk on the seeded areas around the trailhead and off-leash area. We are trying to establish the new turf this spring, and reducing the foot and paw traffic will help promote the long-term health of the turf.

OTTER LAKE

The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) will be treating nearby Bald Eagle Lake with alum this spring. Treatment will begin right after ice out when water temps reach 40°. Learn more about the project on the RCWD website.

Happy Spring!

The Arctic Vortex is finally gone! We hope that you and your pets are enjoying the warmer temperatures and arrival of spring.

The arrival of spring will also soon mean the arrival of tick season. Be sure to read up on tick information from the Minnesota DNR, ASPCA and Humane Society to protect you and your dogs.

Otter Lake Off-Leash Area Temporarily Closed

The Otter Lake Off-Leash Dog Area is temporarily closed due to turf conditions.

Users of the facility overwhelmingly agreed that a closure was beneficial and necessary to allow soils to dry, preserving the long term health of the turf. Most users have said they avoid using the park during this time to avoid a muddy dog!

During the closure, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation and the Otter Lake OLDA Guardians are asking users to please visit the Rice Creek Off-Leash Dog Area, located at 5959 Lexington Ave N in Shoreview.

As soon as conditions improve, the Otter Lake facility will reopen. Notice of the reopening will be sent to the off-leash e-newsletter list and will be posted on the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation website, Facebook page and Twitter​. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Annual Earth Day Parks Cleanup Set for April 26

Ramsey County Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers of all ages to assist with the annual Earth Day Parks Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 26. The event will take place at many locations throughout the Ramsey County parks system, including the Battle Creek, Otter Lake and Rice Creek off-leash dog areas. All events will begin at 9 a.m. and are open to individuals, families and community groups. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Jennifer Fink at jennifer.fink@co.ramsey.mn.us or 651-478-2500 x333 to register. Advanced registration is requested to help predict turnout. More information is available on our website.

Safety at the OLDAs and Camera Funding

As you begin to make more trips to the off-leash areas this spring, please remember to always be vigilant about not leaving items in your car to help reduce the risk of a break-in. Remember, a thief can easily watch you put your purse or other items in the trunk if you wait to move them until you arrive at the OLDA parking lot.

The capital improvement funding for security cameras at the off-leash areas will not be available until after July 1. We thank you for your patience and remind you that taking steps to prevent theft is always more effective than security cameras.