Awesome Doggie Pool Party Returns To Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and Santa Cruz County Parks Department are inviting families (including dogs!) for the 5th annual Parks & Rex Pool Party.

The August 24 event is returning to Simpkins Family Swim Center with local food and drink, musical entertainment, activities for kids and adults, and a doggie day spa, doggie portraits and special doggie treats.

The event raises funds for youth recreation and animal welfare programs, according to officials with Santa Cruz County.

"Over the last five years, hundreds of doggies and their families have helped us celebrate summer and raise money for worthy causes," said Melanie Sobel, general manager of the animal shelter. "We have more fun in store this year with what promises to be another great event."

From noon–4 p.m., Simpkins will host a variety of activities for adults and children, including inner tubes, Wibit (inflatable play apparatus), Walk-on-Water Balls, stand-up paddle boards, a water slide, a climbing wall and more.

Adults will have a chance to win great raffle prizes, enjoy a massage and enjoy handmade-to-order grilled pizza and other refreshments donated by New Leaf, Driscoll’s berries and Marianne’s Ice Cream, as well as wine and local craft beer from Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery.

Dogs will be invited for a dip in the warm-water pool, take part in some pampering at the Bed & Biscuits doggie day-spa (featuring mani-pedi services), get their portraits painted by Between Us Portraits, and chow down on some special doggie ice cream and Puppuccinos!

Tickets on the day of the event will be available at the door: $17 for adults and $7 for those under age 18. Kids ages 3 and under, as well as dogs, get in free.

Advance tickets ($15/adult, $5/child) are on sale now at www.scparks.com or at the Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave., Live Oak.

Since 2014, an average of 350 people have attended the pool party each year, bringing 100 of their fur family with them to enjoy the festivities. Overall, nearly $38,500 has been raised to benefit Santa Cruz County’s vulnerable populations through initiatives such as free veterinary care for underserved pet owners and support for youth recreation programs and services, according to officials.