Dogs To Take Over West Hartford Pool For Annual 'Pooch Plunge'

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Beachland Park pool is about to go to the dogs.

The annual West Hartford Pooch Plunge returns Monday, Aug. 17, giving dogs a chance to swim, chase tennis balls and cool off in the town pool while raising money toward efforts to establish a permanent dog park in West Hartford.

The event will be held at Beachland Park, 847 South Quaker Lane, with two swimming sessions scheduled from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m. and 5 to 6:45 p.m.

Admission is $20 per session.

Organizers are expecting a large turnout after about 400 dogs participated last summer, according to David Coleman, past president of the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition.

“The pooch plunge has become a local institution,” Coleman said. “We had 400 dogs at last summer’s plunge, and we expect a similar turnout this year.”

The plunge is the coalition's largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting its effort to establish a permanent off-leash dog park in town.

“We appreciate the support of the Town and our corporate sponsors,” Coleman said. “The plunge, our largest fundraiser of the year, is intended to gather momentum for a permanent dog park in town.”

The event is sponsored by the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition and the Town of West Hartford, with West Hartford-based Zoomin Groomin serving as the lead business sponsor.

Attendees are encouraged to pay in advance at wehapoochplunge.com. Payment will also be accepted at the pool entrance by Venmo or cash, according to organizers.

Participants must sign a liability waiver before entering the pool area.

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition was formed in 2008 and currently operates a temporary off-leash dog park at 100 Mayflower St., with separate areas for large and small dogs. The volunteer nonprofit continues to advocate for a permanent dog park in West Hartford.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click on this link.