Aloha Swim Center to cater to canines with district's first Doggie Paddle

For one afternoon, Aloha Swim Center is going to the dogs -- and only the dogs.

The Aloha pool, located at 18650 SW Kinnaman Road, is set to host its first Doggie Paddle, a pooches-only open swim. This first-ever THPRD event is set for Presidents Day (Monday, Feb. 18) from 2-5 p.m. The cost is $5 per dog.

At 2 p.m., THPRD staff will pamper the hard working K-9 units from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaverton Police Department with a 30-minute open swim. This session is free to observe.

Medium-Large Dogs can be registered for two sessions: one from 2:45-3:30 p.m., another from 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Small Dogs can be registered for the final sesssion, from 4:15-5 p.m. Dogs are considered small if they are less than 16 inches tall at the shoulders.

Registration for each session begins 15 minutes before the swim time.

Just like at home, dogs need to obey a few house rules:

• Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
• Dogs must remain on a leash when not in the pool. Collars are required in the water.
• Dogs must be at least six months old.
• Female dogs in heat are not permitted.
• Disobedient dogs may be turned away.
• Dogs may not be left unattended.

Owners are encouraged to bring towels to dry their dogs and disposable pet waste bags to quickly clean up any messes. They may also bring water toys, although tennis balls will be provided at the pool. Other pets should be left at home.

Space is limited, so THPRD recommends pre-registering to guarantee a spot for Spot. Call 503/629-6311 to enroll or to get more information about the event. Participants may also register through www.thprd.org.

The Doggie Paddle is the last event at Aloha Swim Center before a three-month closure for seismic upgrades, a project funded by THPRD’s 2008 voter-approved bond measure. Aloha Swim Center will close on Feb. 19 and is scheduled to re-open on May 20.

ABOUT THPRD

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving more than 220,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.