Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Dogs will have their day at St. Marys pool
Panel OKs pooch paddle
By Jared Mauch
ST. MARYS - The city pool will go to the dogs one day this summer.
The parks and playgrounds committee agreed to host a dog swim event in the leisure pool from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 10, days after the pool season for humans ends.
Committee members agreed to allow only dogs into the water during the event due to safety concerns. They will share the idea with all other city council members at the Aug. 8 meeting, but council approval is not required.
Participating dog owners will be required to sign a waiver before their dogs will be allowed into the pool. Lifeguards will be on duty to help ensure the dogs' safety, safety service director Greg Foxhoven said.
Council member Robin Willoughby first suggested the idea to committee members a few weeks ago.
"It's something that I think could really benefit our community," she said.
The members had asked Willoughby to look into how Wapakoneta handles a similar event before they decided.
Wapakoneta pool officials told Willoughby they haven't experienced any problems with dogs attacking other dogs or people through the years. They do not require dog owners to sign a waiver.
The Wapakoneta event had between 15 and 20 dogs attend last year, and owners also are not allowed into the water with the dogs, Foxhoven said.
Temporary signs will be put up around the pool on the day reminding people to stay out. However, pet owners would be allowed to go in should their dogs need help for any reason, he said.
Auglaize County Dog Warden Russ Bailey and various vendors selling dog supplies and services may be on hand, Willoughby said. The day may also include an optional donation opportunity to the dog warden's office.
Willoughby said she will help organize the event.
Officials discussed limiting participation only to dog owners living within the St. Marys City Schools District but reached no final decision.
Foxhoven said he will ask if the concession stand could be open for the day or if it already would be closed for the season. The event will be held just before the pool is drained and cleaned for the season.
Other Ohio communities offering dog swim events are Mason and Cleveland, Willoughby said.
