'Drool in the Pool' set in Chinook Swimming Pool Sept. 8

Members of the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation said in a release they are excited to invite socially friendly dogs to come to the Chinook Swimming Pool for the first “Drool in the Pool” event.

Dogs will be allowed to swim in the pool 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8.

Tennis balls will be provided for the dogs to play with in the pool, and people should not bring their own toys.

Leashes are mandatory when dogs are not in the pool, the release said. Only one dog per adult is allowed and each dog must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Dog parents — humans — are not allowed to swim in the pool with the animals, the only exception is to assist a dog if it is struggling. Lifeguards will be on-hand at the event as well.

Fecal removal is required of the dog owner and bags will be provided on-site. All dog parents must sign a liability form before their dog can enter the pool.

All dogs will need to have a current proof of vaccination card, including rabies, parvo and distemper. People are asked to retrieve this information from their veterinarian before coming to the event. No entrance will be allowed unless proof is provided.

A donation of $10 per dog is suggested for this event and all funds raised will go toward the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation’s mission.

People can reach out to the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation with any questions you they have via email at [email protected] or phone 406-531-2332.

The foundation was formed in 2020 with the primary goal of making repairs and improvements to the pool and to Sweet Park.

The Chinook Swimming Pool was built in 1976 and has surpassed the life expectancy of an outdoor pool, especially with the harsh winters we see on the Hi-Line, the release said.

The foundation has praised the work the City of Chinook has done to maintain the pool, but since no special repair fund was created for the pool, the foundation is trying to raise money for repairs and upgrades.

It also is working toward creating an ongoing fund to maintain and repair the pool and the park as needed.

More information about the foundation and its projects can be found at its website at http://chinookfriends.org and on its Facebook page.

“Thank you for your support of the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundations mission to fix our aging pool and park facilities,” the release said. “We are excited to bring this fun-filled event to Chinook.”