West Hartford Dogs Ready To Frolic In Town Swimming Pool

West Hartford Dog Park Coalition

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Like all of West Hartford's other public swimming pools, Beachland Park's pool closes for the season on Sunday, Aug. 18.

But on Monday, Aug. 19, there is still one more chance to enjoy a summer 2024 dip in the pool — but you need to be a dog.

In fact, dozens of dogs are expected to splash around at the annual West Hartford “Pooch Plunge” on Monday, Aug. 19.

That's when dog owners can bring their dogs for an end-of-summer swim at the Beachland Park pool in West Hartford, 847 Quaker Lane.

The event is from 4 to 6:45 p.m. and it is $15 for the first dog and $5 for additional dogs, with payment in advance at https://wehapoochplunge.com/ or at the pool entrance with Venmo or cash.

A waiver is also required and that can be filled out at https://wehapoochplunge.com/signup or at the event. A few rules:

• Dogs must be licensed with current 2024 tags
• Dogs/children must be supervised
• Tennis balls are provided. Please don’t bring dog toys.
• Pick up poop.

As in previous years, as many as 200 dogs are expected to dive in, get wet, and chase tennis balls and each other.

The event is sponsored by the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition (WHDPC), the Town of West Hartford, and lead business sponsors Camp Bow Wow and Zoomin Groomin.

"The event is a great way for dogs to cool off and is also a fundraiser for a permanent dog park in West Hartford which is the goal of the WHDPC," wrote event organizers in a release.

"Each year before West Hartford closes and cleans the town pools for the season, it lets the WHDPC use Beachland Park pool for the Pooch Plunge."

One event organizer promoted the event by noting the time of year the Pooch Plunge is taking place.

“The dog days of summer are, literally, here,” said David Coleman, co-president of the WHDPC. “We always get a fantastic turnout at the pooch plunge, and we appreciate the support of the town and our corporate sponsors. The plunge, our largest fundraiser of the year, is intended to gather momentum for a permanent dog park in town. We look forward to this dog day afternoon.”

“Making dogs happy is our motto at Camp Bow Wow, and what better way to do that than letting them romp in the pool on a hot summer day,” said Lexie Smith, marketing director of Camp Bow Wow in Bloomfield. “We are thrilled to support this joyous event and the dog park coalition’s mission of establishing a permanent dog park.”

“We are honored to support the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition at its biggest event of the year,” said Chris Morton, owner of Zoomin Groomin in West Hartford. “As a business owner who serves dog owners and their beloved pets every day, we know how much fun the pooch plunge will be. And I know our customers will be delighted when a permanent dog park is finally created.”

Formed in 2008, the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to establishing a permanent, off-leash dog park in West Hartford.

It currently operates a temporary dog park (with separate areas for large and small dogs) at 100 Mayflower St, West Hartford, where dogs exercise and socialize off-leash.

Efforts to establish a permanent dog park are ongoing.

For more information about the WHDPC and to learn more about volunteering or supporting the group, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/westhartforddogpark. Those who cannot attend but would like to support the dog park can donate through the link at https://wehapoochplunge.com.