Parker pooches will have a chance to plunge in the pool and chase balls in the park at the fourth annual Barker Days event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6.
O'Brien Park, Parker Road and Mainstreet, will be transformed into a dog park for a day with a play area, agility course, dog-related vendors and K-9 demonstrations, said
Meagan Arvidson, assistant director of facilities for Parker.
"You usually have to leave your pet at home, but this day is all about your dog," Arvidson said.
At H2O'Brien Pool, adjacent to the park, the deck chairs will be removed and stairs will be added so dogs can climb out easily. The pool's chlorine will be neutralized to be dog-friendly, Arvidson said.
People will not be permitted to swim with their pet.
Last year, about 1,000 dogs showed up for the festivities. Pre-registration is highly recommended, as those who sign up prior to the event are guaranteed a doggy bag full of goodies, Arvidson said. Registration is $5 and is available online at
www.parkerrec.com. Registration the day of the event will be on a space-available basis.
All dogs must be accompanied by an adult ages 18 or older, and leashes are required outside of the fenced event area.
For more event information, call the Parker Recreation Center at 303-841-4500.
Barker Days also is looking for volunteers to clean up unintended messes, help with crowd control and answer questions. For more information about volunteering, contact
Brett Haydin at 303-805-3264 or by e-mail at bhaydin@parkeronline.org by Sept. 3. Volunteers will receive lunch and a T-shirt.