Water Bark to make a splash at Spring Lake

When the Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon closes after Labor Day, the lagoon is going to go to the dogs.

Dogs can swim and play off-leash at the lagoon during three, Water Bark weekends in September: Sept. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27.

The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on each day except for Sept. 19, when it will start at noon to make way for the Viking Opening cross country meet.

First introduced in 2011, the Water Bark has been a huge hit with dog lovers and their pets, with about 300 showing up to throw sticks, balls and other toys each year.

Entry fees for the Water Bark are $3 per dog for Sonoma County Regional Parks’ members, and $5 per dog for non-members. Parking is free for members of $7 per vehicle for non-members.

For convenience, you may purchase tickets in advance at springlakewaterbark.brownpapertickets.com. Funds raised from the Water Bark events support the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, which funds projects such as new trails to be enjoyed by dogs and their owners.