Water Bark set at Spring Lake

The swimming lagoon at Spring Lake Regional Park will once again serve as an off-leash dog park this September in an event known as Water Bark. Dogs can romp on the beach and play in the water on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28 and 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, which requests donations of $3 per dog for Regional Parks’ members and $5 per dog for non-members. All proceeds benefit the foundation, which supports Regional Parks’ programs and facilities.

Regional Parks’ staff will give away free dog discs to the first 600 dogs thanks to sponsors Paradise Pet Resorts and Bergin University of Canine Studies and Western Farm Center is once again donating dog biscuits for the event. The Parks Foundation will host a raffle, with prizes such as a basket of dog goodies from Swede’s Feeds, dog grooming, dog dental cleaning, vet exams and more. Raffle tickets are $3 each, or 10 for $20.

The Sept. 29 Water Bark will partner with Canine Companions for Independence, which is hosting its first “DogFest Walk ‘n’ Roll” fundraiser at Spring Lake Regional Park. DogFest will incorporate dog activities as volunteers and their dogs walk to raise funds for Canine Companions.

Parking near the Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon is accessed through Spring Lake Park’s Violetti Road entrance and is free for members or $7 for non-members. Due to health regulations, only dogs are allowed to swim at this event, and the swimming lagoon is treated with chlorine to protect the health of our canine guests.

The Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation raises funds, fosters partnerships and advocates on behalf of more than 50 parks and trails in the Sonoma County Regional Parks system.