Since 1995, Portland Parks & Recreation has worked extensively with the dog community to identify and meet their recreational needs.

Development of the off-leash area system was guided by many citizen task forces and committees, including the 2004 Off-Leash Advisory Committee and the resulting Off-Leash Program Evaluation & Recommendations Report. Most recently, an Off-Leash Program Advisory Group offered feedback and advice on dog system improvements and issues. The group met from March 2010 to June 2012. The work the group did is captured in their charter and meeting minutes.