West Hartford Pooches Enjoy Their Pool Time

Published On: August 25, 2022Categories: Lifestyle

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Maya, who belongs to the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition's co-president, enjoys the Pooch Plunge. Aug. 24, 2022. Photo credit: Baylee Krulewitz

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition held a successful Pooch Plunge on Aug. 24.

West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Pooch Plunge. Aug. 24, 2022. Photo credit: Baylee Krulewitz

By Baylee Krulewitz and Clara Sorkin

Every year, the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition holds a fundraiser called the Pooch Plunge – a day when the Beachland Park pool has closed down for humans and opened up for dogs.

The whole pool deck turned into a mini dog park for the day, with pets wagging their tails, splashing about, and enjoying the atmosphere and supply of tennis balls.

Over 100 dogs and their families were welcomed this year, and with each entry to the event came a donation to the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition.

West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Pooch Plunge. Aug. 24, 2022. Photo credit: Baylee Krulewitz

This was the Pooch Plunge’s second year back after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. The event was delayed by two days this year due to weather, but the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition is accustomed to waiting.

Since its formation in 2008, the organization has been raising funds and trying to secure a location for a dog park.

Currently, the Coalition is trying to raise money for a long-term but still temporary dog park here in West Hartford. As of now, dog owners have to take their pets over to a different town in order for the dogs to play unleashed, but the strong possibility exists for installing a dog park at the former site of the St. Brigid’s School at 100 Mayflower Street in Elmwood. This dog park would last six months to a year, depending on when the town starts construction for the new Elmwood Community Center project at that location.

In order to build this park, the plans need to be approved by West Hartford’s Town Plan and Zoning Commision. On Sept. 7, a public hearing will be held followed by a vote. All community members – dog-owners or not – are encouraged to come and help support the cause. More information can be found on the Coalition’s website.

West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Pooch Plunge. Aug. 24, 2022. Photo credit: Baylee Krulewitz