Dive into dog days at Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon

The Spring Lake Water Bark, a special fundraiser that allows dogs to enjoy the Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon, has scheduled dates for September and October

During these fun, splashy events, dogs are free to swim and play off-leash in and around the lagoon, which is safely enclosed. As an added precaution, the swimming lagoon water is filtered, chlorinated and closely monitored by regional parks staff to ensure it is safe for dogs. Please note that Spring Lake is not treated.

Also new this year, for kayak and paddleboard enthusiasts, Spring Lake boat rentals will be open during Water Bark weekends. Dogs are welcome on kayaks and paddleboards, but attendees must bring their own dog life jacket for all dogs accompanying visitors renting paddleboards or kayaks. Life jackets are not required for dogs to swim at Water Bark.

“We are impressed every year by the number of dog owners traveling from all over the Bay Area to attend Spring Lake Water Bark, said Melissa Kelley, executive director of the nonprofit Sonoma County Parks Foundation. ”It really isn’t just about swimming or playing off-leash in the lagoon: We’ve had guests celebrate dog birthdays, reunions, and all sorts of special occasions.“

She added, “The parks foundation is happy to collaborate with Sonoma County Regional Parks to provide this fun and safe swimming option for dogs, while also raising funds to support our dog-friendly regional parks.”

Sonoma County Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for more than 60 parks, trails and beaches in the Sonoma County Regional Parks system. All regional parks (except North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Preserve and Shiloh Ranch Regional Park) welcome dogs on leash.

Regional parks also operates leash-free dog parks at Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Ernie Smith Community Park (Sonoma), Andy’s Unity Park (Santa Rosa) and Ragle Ranch Regional Park (Sebastopol).

The Spring Lake Water Bark is sponsored by the organization’s local business partners: Green Valley Consulting Engineers, Stanley Steemer, AcCounting on Computers, Taylor Mountain Canine Retreat, Good Dawg Training LLC, Auto Pride Hand Car Wash, Western Farm Center and Comcast NBC Universal.

Water Bark attendees are highly encouraged to take advantage of discounts by purchasing online single-day tickets in advance, which are $8 per dog for regional parks members and $12 per dog for nonmembers. Advance purchases also help reduce wait time at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased at sonomacountyparksfoundation.org.

In celebration of Spring Lake Regional Park's 50th anniversary this year, Water Bark guests can purchase a $50 Water Bark Season Pass, valid for every day of Water Bark. The season pass also includes a special commemorative dog tag. For just over $7 per day, the season pass is the lowest-priced deal.

Tickets purchased at the gate (on event day) are $12 per dog for regional park members and $15 per dog for nonmembers. Each guest can bring a maximum of three dogs. Parking for regional parks members is free (with hangtag), while parking for nonmembers members costs $7 per car.

Owners can bring their animals to swim along at Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon, located at 393 Violetti Road in Santa Rosa, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 9,10, 17, 23, 24 and 30, and Oct. 1. Water Bark is not scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 16, due to a cross country race at the park.