The dog days of summer aren’t over yet.
Perhaps kids heading back to school are mourning summer’s end as Denver Parks and Recreation closes its public pools today. But their canine companions will have tails a-wagging Sunday when the Berkeley Park and Cook Park pools open for a one-day DogaPOOLooza party.
Enthusiastic dog-paddlers are invited to each location for two doggie swim sessions. The cost is $5 per session. One starts at 9 a.m. The second starts at 11 a.m.
Each session accommodates approximately 100 dogs, with space available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hard-core water hounds can exit and return for an additional fee.
This is the third year of the event, which expanded from the Berkeley Park pool to include the Cook Park pool last year.
“It’s nuts, with dogs everywhere,” says Lisa Perry, aquatics supervisor for Denver Parks and Recreation. “You name it, that kind of dog showed up. It’s a little chaotic, but it’s also really fun and funny.”
Denver Animal Care and Control will be on site with a mobile adoption unit, taking donations and doing on-site adoptions. Staff also will take public input on the city’s Dog Park Master Plan.
Dogs need to be up to date on vaccinations with a current rabies tag to attend, but no actual paperwork is required.
“We’re mostly on the honor system, but so far the people who have come are serious dog lovers and responsible owners,” Perry says.
Treats and toys are encouraged, and dogs can be allowed off-leash as long as they are well socialized.
Even newbies are included in the fun. Pint-sized pooches, puppies, or scaredy-dogs can get their feet wet in the baby pool before jumping in the deep end. “Some people even put little life jackets on their dogs,” Perry says.
The pools are gated to prevent escapes, and the chlorine levels are kept at the lowest possible levels. But if Fido isn’t in the mood for a swim, it’s OK to just socialize and sunbathe.
“Last year we had one dog that wouldn’t get in the water, so he just hung out by the gate and was the greeter,” she says.
Owners, on the other hand, are discouraged from swimming. “Just for health reasons, in case there are accidents,” says Perry. However, pet owners are allowed into the pools to help their dogs in or out of the water. “It’s best to go gradually if they are scared,” she says. “We don’t want you to just chuck the dog in if you’re not sure about it.”‘
Dogapoolooza
When: Sunday at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Where: Berkeley Park, 5105 W. 46th Ave.; and Cook Park, 7100 Cherry Creek South Drive
Admission: $5 per dog, each session
Information: call 720.865.0660 or visit
