Report: Dog Parks 'Lead the Pack' in New Urban Parks

The Trust for Public Land's annual City Parks Facts report finds cities around the country are adding dog parks with the enthusiasm of a pack puppies.

1 minute read

April 26, 2016, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Dog Park

Jon Hurd / Flickr

A press release from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) announces the leading trend in parks: "Off-leash dog parks led the pack in new urban parks, growing by 4 percent in 2015 and 89 percent since 2007, according to The Trust for Public Land's most recent data on the nation's 100 biggest city park systems across the country."

The findings are from TPL's annual "City Parks Facts" report, which complies park data for the 100 largest cities in the United States. The press release includes more data from the report, including aggregate spending on parks and information on other kinds of parks, like skate parks and community gardens.

The press release includes a quote from Brad Weston, president and chief merchant at San Diego-based pet specialty retailer, Petco, who says that pet ownership is up across all demographics.

The cities with the greatest number of dog parks per capita are Henderson, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; Norfolk, Virginia; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Madison, Wisconsin.

Monday, April 25, 2016 in PR Newswire

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of hand holding small white square thermoelectric generator in lab with computer in background.

Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity

Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.

December 3 - Fast Company

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3 - Stanford University News

Red City of Terre Haute small transit bus in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.

December 3 - Indiana Public Media

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.