During the month of September, the word “P-O-O-L” holds just as much weight in my house as “W-A-L-K,” “P-A-R-K,” and “T-R-E-A-T” do. If we accidentally let any of these words slip, especially “P-O-O-L,” my chocolate lab stops in his tracks, snaps to attention, and gives me that head-cocked-to-one-side-oh-my-gosh-could-it-really-be-true look. At that point it’s over, there is no choice, we are going for an “R-I-D-E” to the “P-O-O-L,” and my dog is off in a whirl of fur, excitement, and slobber.
Scott Carpenter Pool on 30th Street between Colorado and Arapahoe is Boulder’s only 50-meter pool and features a slide, springboards, and concessions. With both open swim and lap swim times, the pool is a great resource for serious athletes, beginner swimmers, and families looking to cool down and have fun during the hot Boulder summer. It is the playground of kids and adults alike during the summer season.
In mid-September, however, Scott Carpenter Pool becomes a playground for pups. From September 14–27, Scott Carpenter Pool closes for human use and is open exclusively to dogs for their Dog Days events. The large fenced in facility has patches of grass, trees that provide plenty of shade, lounge chairs, and more neon green tennis balls floating in the pool and rolling around the deck than your dog could ever dream up. From seasoned swimmers who leap off the springboards without a second thought to first time doggie paddlers, there are dogs quite literally everywhere. When you step into the facility, you’re encouraged to unleash your dog and away he’ll go.
Scott Carpenter Pool’s Dog Days events have been running for nearly a decade. With swimming sessions split up into separate small dog and any sized dog designated times, the events saw nearly 2,000 dogs participate last year alone, according to the City of Boulder website.
Usual “good dog” etiquette is expected and required at these events. There are many pool attendants on hand keeping an eye on the action. Owners must clean up after their dogs (there are plenty of baggies available at the pool) and dogs who fight will be asked to leave. Humans are also not allowed to swim in the pool during these events.
In all honesty, it’s not just your furry friend that will have an amazing time at Dog Days. These events are great excuses to lounge poolside with the family while your dog gets a great workout, cools off, and socializes with other dogs. Also, if you’re the kind of person whose face lights up around dogs and who just plain loves them (which, let’s face it, most Boulderites are) then you will have an equally fun time watching all the splashing, fetching, tail wagging, four-legged fun during the events.
Admission for your dog for one day during Dog Days is $5, or you can purchase an all-event pass for $40 for up to two dogs and $10 for any additional dog after that. The full schedule and additional information can be found on the City of Boulder Scott Carpenter Pool Dog Days website.
This year there will additionally be dog expos at the pool on Friday, September 18th, and Sunday, September 27th. If your dog takes after his or her Boulder masters and is an athletic, competitive pooch, there is likewise a Flying High dog competition during the September 27th expo.
So stretch your tennis ball-throwing arm and get ready to make your best friend the happiest, and the wettest, pup around!
