From wikipedia: “ While suburban and rural zones have traditionally been areas containing most of the pet-owning population, the urban environment has been undergoing an increase in pet population since the 1970s. This, combined with the fact that over the past 15 years urbanization has been taking over what was formerly considered to be suburban and rural areas, has resulted in a phenomenon called "urbananimalization." This, first of all, encompasses the recognition that animals are and will continue to be a "quality of life" aspect of urban society. Secondly, it recognizes that development must specifically provide for the inclusion of domestic animals in its growth plans.
	A comprehensive article on dog park design from Parks & Recreation Magazine (.doc) A gallery of master plans. These were assembled by William Zardus of the Dog Park National News group. In 2003 three ODPA board members visited five Bay Area dog parks. Here are galleries of three of those locations: Foster City Dog Playground, LasPalmas Dog Playground and Watson Dog Park, San Jose. Plan for a neighborhood park in Kansas City, Mo. (PDF); plan (.jpg). Despite a good plan and neighborhood support, a vote by the city's P&R Commission approved a policy that permits off-leash dog parks only in regional or community parks; news article.