Pools plan last splashes for summer

The dog days of summer are nearing, literally.

The Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility, 8275 Spring Mountain Road, and Black Mountain Aquatic Complex, 599 Greenway Road, plan to allow canines into their pools to end the season.

The Desert Breeze water park plans to host its annual Dog Daze event Sept. 14 in two sessions: 8 to 9:15 a.m. for small dogs less than 50 pounds and 9:45 to 11 a.m. for large dogs more than 50 pounds.

The event is to include raffles for pet gift baskets and pet lodging from local animal agencies, along with contests for the tallest and shortest dog and the funniest pet trick.

“One year we had this guy who trained his dog to do search and rescue,” said Katie Eubanks, recreation specialist for Clark County Parks and Recreation. “He had the dog jump off one of the lifeguard stands into the water to retrieve a floating baton. It was really neat.”

Desert Breeze officials came up with the idea about nine years ago. They figured the event would not pose any sanitary issues if the water were to be drained for the season the next day.

“We have a dog park across the street, and people constantly try to bring their dogs in anyway,” Eubanks said. “We thought, ‘Why not let the dogs in at the end of the season if no one will be swimming again until next year?’ ”

Eubanks said participants have more fun trying to get their dogs to swim than anything else.

“We have some people whose dogs have never been in a water environment before and it is kind of funny,” she said. “Some people try to bribe their dogs with treats to jump into the pool, but it usually doesn’t work.”

The Black Mountain Aquatic Complex plans its sixth annual Doggie Paddle & Play Day Sept. 14.

Henderson’s event is divided into three sessions: 9 to 10:15 a.m. for dogs 40 pounds or lighter; 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. for dogs 41 to 79 pounds; and noon to 1:15 p.m. for dogs 80 pounds or heavier.

“There were 40 dogs the first year,” said Debra Haskell, a city of Henderson spokeswoman. “We’re expecting about 200 this year.”

The pool also plans to host drawings for pet gift baskets donated by local pet agencies, which include bones, toys and treats.

“After the event, the pool is drained and thoroughly cleaned before it is used again by people,” Haskell said.

Dog Daze will cost $5 per canine. Doggie Paddle & Play Day will cost $10 for dogs registered online and $15 at the door, depending on available space. Both events require proof of vaccinations and pet licenses.

Each session permits 100 dogs in the water parks at a time. Individuals who register their dogs online will be allowed in first.

Both pools ask participants to refrain from bringing dogs that have shown signs of aggressiveness. Dogs in heat, exposed or recovering from illnesses or younger than 4 months old are not permitted.

People without dogs are allowed to attend the events free. However, no one is allowed to swim with the dogs in the pools.

“We want to assure that everyone and every dog is safe,” Eubanks said.

For more information on Dog Daze, visit tinyurl.com/kmnucdg.

For more information on Doggie Paddle & Play Day, visit tinyurl.com/k4msfc3.

OTHER end-of-season EVENTS

Canines aren’t the only ones ready for an end-of-season splash. Several humans-only events are slated, too.

The Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, plans a Dash-and-Splash race at 8 a.m. Sept. 14.

Participants can run around the Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center next to the pool, then swim 300 yards.

The cost is $15 per person in advance and $20 the day of the event.

“It’s a family event, so anyone is welcome to participate,” said Tammy Hawkins, aquatics specialist for the city of Las Vegas. “Everyone who participates gets a goodie bag at the end of the race.”

The pool also plans to show the movie “Brave” at a dive-in event at 6:45 p.m. Sept. 28 for $3 per person.

Light refreshments will be available for a fee and outside food will be allowed in designated areas.

While the staff will provide rafts and chairs, participants can bring their own.

“It’s just a place to lounge in the pool and relax around the deck while enjoying a movie,” Hawkins said.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

While many facilities were scheduled to close by Aug. 25, some pools and water parks will reopen for Labor Day weekend.

Clark County’s Cambridge Water Park, 3930 Cambridge St.; Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility; Hollywood Aquatic Center, 1550. Hollywood Blvd.; Paradise Water Park, 4775 McLeod Drive; Parkdale Water Park, 3200 Ferndale St.; and Walnut Water Park, 3075 N. Walnut Road are scheduled to be open between noon and 6 p.m. Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

The Doolittle Community Center, 1950 J St., plans to open its pool from 2 to 6 p.m. Aug. 31.

Henderson’s BMI Outdoor Pool, 105 W. Basic Road; Multigenerational Pool; 250 S. Green Valley Parkway; Whitney Ranch Pool, 1575 Galleria Drive; Silver Springs Outdoor Pool, 1951 Silver Springs Parkway; and Wells Outdoor Pool, 1650 Price St. plan to be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

In North Las Vegas, the Silver Mesa Pool, 4095 Allen Lane, is scheduled to open from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

The Henderson Multigenerational Indoor/Outdoor Competition Pool, Heritage Park Aquatic Complex, Whitney Ranch Pool, Hollywood Aquatic Center, Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility Pavilion Center Pool and the Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, have year-round pool facilities available. Hours and fees vary.

Contact Southwest/Spring Valley View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.