West Hartford dogs are invited to dive into the Beachland Park pool on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

Courtesy image

By Ronni Newton

Hundreds of local dogs will officially have their day – the annual chance to swim in the Beachland Park pool – at the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition’s annual Pooch Plunge on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

West Hartford’s long-standing “dog day” takes place after the town’s pools close for the season to human swimmers – which this year is Sunday, Aug. 16 – but Beachland Park stays open for one more day for canine residents to enjoy the chance to dive in, splash about, dog paddle, and chase tennis balls while supporting the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition’s efforts to support a permanent dog park in town.

Please note that Eisenhower Park’s brand new pool will remain open for another week, through Aug. 23, for human swimmers only.

This year’s Pooch Plunge is dedicated to the Coleman family, and all they have done to support the creation of a dog park over the years.

“The pooch plunge has become a local institution,” said David Coleman, who is past president of the WHDPC. “We had 400 dogs at last summer’s plunge and we expect a similar turnout this year.”

Since November 2022, West Hartford has had a dog park at the former St. Brigid School property at 100 Mayflower Street, and while the dog park remains open it is still technically a temporarily facility. The school building will soon be demolished with plans to eventually construct the new Elmwood Community Center at the site, and while the plans are not yet permanent, the intent is for the dog park to remain on the parcel but in a slightly different location.

“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, which is the event’s lead sponsor. “As a business owner who serves dog owners and their beloved pets every day, we know how much fun the pooch plunge will be. Making dogs happy is our motto, and what better way to do that than letting them romp in the pool on a hot summer afternoon.”

“We appreciate the support of the town and our corporate sponsors,” added Coleman. “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!”

The event will be held in two sessions – from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m. and, after a brief cleaning of the pool and surrounding area, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. The cost to attend the Pooch Plunge is $20 per session. Those who would like to attend the entire event can purchase a special wristband for $35 per family.

Registration can be done online in advance and walk-ins are also welcome at the gate with payment via Venmo or cash. A liability waiver must be signed before dogs can enter the pool area.

Organizers note that there will also be a raffle with some “paw-some” prizes to be awarded.

Tennis balls will be provided, but attendees are asked not to bring any personal dog toys.

All dogs must be properly licensed and have 2026 tags.

Attendees are asked to please scoop their dogs’ poop.

Anyone who is unable attend but would like to support the dog park can still donate through this link.

More information can be found on the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Facebook page.

West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Pooch Plunge. Aug. 18, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

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