Update: Rain Pushes West Hartford 'Pooch Plunge' To Wednesday

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Town pools are officially closed to humans, but their four-legged pals will enjoy a special evening Wednesday to beat the heat and raise money for a new dog park in town.

Originally slated for Monday night, the rain prompted organizers to postpone the event.

With rain expected on the Tuesday rain date, organizers Monday afternoon pushed it all the way to Wednesday, when the weather is expected to cooperate.

Town officials reminded folks they can bring their dog for a plunge into the pool at Beachland Park, 847 S. Quaker Lane, West Hartford. The event is from 4 to 6:45 p.m.

The pool closed to humans on Sunday.

It is being sponsored by the Town of West Hartford, UberDog, ZipZyme Omega and Keating Insurance .

The end-of-summer special event is a fundraiser for a future dog park. Tennis balls will be provided.

The fee to enjoy the pool with your dog is $15 per family, with proceeds benefitting the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition to support a permanent dog park.

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition, which is currently exploring a path to build a permanent dog park in town, has applied to, at least, build a temporary site behind St. Brigid School, 100 Mayflower St.

The West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission officially received the application for the temporary site and set a public hearing date for Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. at West Hartford Town Hall.

“We are once again thrilled to support the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition at its biggest event of the year,” said Dan O’Brien, owner of Uberdog, an event sponsor. “The Pooch Plunge is an incredibly fun time for all. As a business owner that deals with dogs and their owners every day, we fully support the dog park coalition and their great effort to establish a permanent dog park here in West Hartford. I know that our customers will be thrilled once that day comes.”

“Dogs bring joy to our lives, and this is a joyful event,” said David Coleman, co-president of the WHDPC. “We always get a fantastic turn out, and we appreciate the support of the Town and our corporate sponsors. The Plunge, our largest fund raiser of the year, is intended to gather momentum for a dog park in town. This event is not to be missed by any dog in town."

Event organizers said as many as 100 dogs have showed up at past events.

As for Wednesday's dog plunge event, the following rules apply:

• Dogs must be licensed with current 2022 tags.

• Participants can pay in advance: http://tinyurl.com/WHDP-PP-2022. Venmo and cash also accepted at pool entrance.

• Dogs/children must be supervised.

• Tennis balls provided. Don't bring dog toys.

• Pick up poop.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/westhartforddogpark.