Nampa’s parks department is heralding the end of its outdoor-pool season by hosting an appropriate fund-raiser for a planned off-leash dog park: They’re hosting a Pooch Pool Party.

Canines will have Lakeview Water Park (at least the water parts – owners are relegated to the sidelines) to themselves from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Humans can watch, toss toys and accompany their dogs to various pup-friendly vendors and concession stands. But only dogs can swim at this pool party.

The cost is $5 per dog, and each handler is limited to no more than two dogs.
Thoughtful city staff are even lowering the chlorine level in the pool for your canine’s comfort.

There are, of course, some rules:
·Dogs must enter and exit the water park on a leash, but can go off-leash once inside.
·No naked dogs, though: They must wear collars while swimming.
·All participating dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies and kennel cough (bordatella).
·No dogs younger than 4 months old can participate
·Aggressive dogs and female dogs in heat are likewise banned from the pool party
·Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

All proceeds go toward development of Nampa’s first off-leash dog park, planned for six acres near Kings Road Overpass in east Nampa. Officials hope to open the park by next summer, and plans include a walking path, a fenced, secure space to run , canine drinking fountains and shade trees.

You’ll find Lakeview Water Park at 1217 7th St. N., in Nampa’s Lakeview Park. The water park and Nampa’s other outdoor pools closed for the season Wednesday. Saturday’s pool party will be the first time a Nampa pool has been opened to dogs.

FYI, the city of Boise just announced a similar event, dubbed See Spot Splash, Sept. 6 at the Natatorium.