Let The Dogs Out For Water Bark At Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Spring Lake Water Bark, a fundraiser that allows dogs to enjoy the Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon, has been scheduled for Sept. 7-8, 15, 21-22 and 28-29.

During these fun, splashy events, which are held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dogs—up to three per guest—are free to swim and play off-leash in and around the safely enclosed lagoon at 393 Violetti Road in Santa Rosa.

The event benefits the Sonoma County Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises money for over 60 parks, trails, and beaches in the Sonoma County Regional Parks system. Proceeds from Water Bark help fund trails and other amenities in the 50+ dog-friendly Sonoma County Regional Parks system.

"The Water Bark has become a real fan favorite for local dog owners and visitors who travel from all over the Bay Area to attend," said Melissa Kelley, executive director of the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. "We are grateful to all the pups and families who participate and make Water Bark such a joyful and happy occasion, and for helping fundraise for our dog-friendly parks. A special 'Bark Out' goes to Sonoma County Regional Parks staff who put a lot of time and energy into hosting the event and providing this fun and safe swimming option for dogs."

Single-day tickets can be purchased online in advance for $8 per dog for Regional Parks members or $12 per dog for non-members. Advance purchases help reduce wait time at the gate for guests and their furry family members.

Guests may purchase a $50 Water Bark season pass which comes with a special commemorative dog tag — while supplies last — and is the lowest-priced deal at $7/day. To receive a season pass prior to the first weekend of the Water Bark, submit payment online by Friday, Aug. 30. For passes ordered on or after Aug. 30, commemorative dog tags and human passes will be available at Will Call at the entry gate.

Tickets purchased at the gate on the day of the event are $10 per dog for Regional Park members or $15 per dog for non-members. Each guest may bring a maximum of three dogs. Parking for Regional Parks members is free with a hangtag, while parking for non-members is $7 per car.

In addition to funding trails and other park amenities, Water Bark admission helps cover the cost of treating and monitoring the swimming lagoon to ensure the water is safe and healthy for the pups. Spring Lake water is not treated but as an added precaution, the swimming lagoon is filtered, chlorinated and closely monitored by park staff to ensure it is safe for dogs.

Dog life jackets are not required for dogs swimming at Water Bark unless they are on a kayak or paddleboard at which point life jackets must be provided by the guest. Kayak and paddleboard enthusiasts can reserve boats or SUPs on Water Bark weekends, as the Spring Lake Boat Rental remains open again this year. Visit SoCoParks.org/Aquatics to do so.

Water Bark is not scheduled Saturday, Sept. 14, because of a cross-country race taking place at the park that day.

Local businesses sponsoring the event include Green Valley Consulting Engineers, The Halter Project, Stanley Steemer, AcCounting on Computers, Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz LLP, Taylor Mountain Canine Retreat, Recology Sonoma Marin, Abacus Wealth Partners, Rob DeVenuto Photography and Western Farm Center.