The City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department will again host a very special event that will allow dogs and their owners access into a municipal pool at the conclusion of the summer aquatic season.

The City’s Doggie Splash Day will be held at the Evans Swimming Pool, 1200 Hillcrest Drive in Mesquite, on Saturday, August 16 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.  A fee of $5.00 per dog with one owner will be charged.  All other humans will be charged $1.00.

In Mesquite’s fifth event last August, over 200 dogs were registered.  This innovative program has won area, regional and state awards from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society.  

Oscar Martinez, Recreation Services Manager, said, “Doggie Splash Day is one of the highlights of the swim season and certainly one of our most fun events of the year.”  It was the first event of its nature in Texas, and now there are similar events throughout the region.  Martinez continued, “We like to think we have the best.” 

Activities include all aspects of the pool amenities including the wading pool, slide, and one-meter diving board.  Schedule of events include:

·         Swim Suit Competition (For the Dogs) - Dogs that are “dressed to impress” will be judged between 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.  A parade of dogs will be set at 10:00 a.m. to give the judges one last look at all the contestants. 

·         Dog Paddle Race - This year, only smaller dogs will be allowed partake in a ten yard, timed event beginning at 10:30 a.m. 

·         Retrieving Contest - Owner will toss their own object for a minimum of 15 yards - requiring dogs to fetch and return in this timed event that begins at 11:15 a.m.

·         Diving Contest - The free-style competition off a one-meter diving board continues to be the crowd favorite.  The diving begins at 12:00 p.m. 

·         Talent Show - This contest will allow for the dogs to perform on stage (8’x 8’) in a talent contest.  Acts must take no longer than one-minute and are limited to one act per dog.  The show begins at 1:00 p.m. 

All dogs will be required to have current vaccinations to enter the pool.  Mesquite Health Department officials will assist with dog registration information and will assist with any aggressive participants.   For further information please call 972-216-6260.  

This is a special event that is sure to be a “dog gone” good time for all!

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