Surf's Up, Pup: Doggie Paddle Scheduled For Aug. 20 At Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center

BEAVERTON, OR — The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is hosting a pool party later this month and district officials have invited the community's most loyal members to participate.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center will open its doors for the third Doggie Paddle, an open-swim event for 100 canines to splash and play in a safe, controlled pool environment. Two 45-minute sessions will each allow 50 dogs to enter the shallow end of the pool without their owners — who, in a twist of irony, must standby and watch while their pups take a dip.

The Doggie Paddle will be the last event at the aquatic center prior to its closing for renovations from Aug. 21 to Dec. 10. Those renovations include resurfacing the pool tank, replacing the pool deck, redesigning the westside berm in the pool area, painting, resurfacing dressing room floors, and ensuring ADA compliance.

"The schedule doesn't allow us an opportunity to do this except when we know the pool is going to be drained and cleaned. Otherwise, we'd consider making it an annual event," Sharon Hoffmeister, superintendent of Aquatics, said in a statement. "It's been a big hit each time we've held it."

The previous two Doggie Paddles were held in 2013 at the Aloha Swim Center and the Beaverton Swim Center.

Each dog's owner must pay $8 in advance or $10 the day of, if there's still room. Preregistration for the event is recommended and can be completed at the THPRD website, or by clicking here.

According to district officials, the Raleigh Swim Center will be open on a limited schedule through November and Somerset West will open for rentals only. Some other THPRD pools, including the Sunset Swim Center, will remain open to the public.

Click here for a full list of drop-in programs and fitness classes available at swim centers throughout the district.

Image: 85Miranda via Pixabay.com