Dog owners and their four-legged friends are invited to unleash the fun at Bark in the Park and Pooch in the Pool on Saturday 11 April.
Bark in the Park, run by Tauranga City Council’s Animal Services team, will be held at Memorial Park from 9am to 12pm and Pooch in the Pool will take place at Memorial Pool from 10am to 4pm.
Together, the two community events will create a dog friendly day across both locations.
Bark in the Park is free to attend and open to all ages. Dog owners are encouraged to bring leashes, water and their best dog park manners. The Animal Services team will be on hand throughout the morning, sharing advice and helpful information about the work they do.
Animal Services Team Leader Oscar Glossop says the event is a chance for dog owners to connect, learn, and enjoy our shared spaces.
“Our team is looking forward to hosting Bark in the Park again. It’s an opportunity to meet the community, share tips, and celebrate responsible dog owners,” says Oscar.
“We really value the relationships we build with dog owners through events like this. Come along, either with or without your dog to share the day with us. There will be food trucks, giveaways, live music and plenty more to keep the whole whānau entertained.”
Oscar says the timing of the events helps create a standout day for dog owners.
“It’s great that Bark in the Park lines up with Pooch in the Pool, another highly anticipated dog day out. Together they create a fantastic day out for dogs and their owners.”
Local artist Sam Allen has created a service dog mural at Memorial Park, featuring dogs from Blind Low Vision New Zealand, Department of Conservation, Search and Rescue, and a medical therapy service.
“As part of the event, Sam will be onsite to officially open the mural, speak with attendees, and share the stories behind the artwork. It adds another special element to what will be a great day,” says Oscar.
Pooch in the Pool is a one-of-a-kind aquatic experience that allows dogs of all shapes and sizes the chance to swap dry land for the pool. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, swim sessions are scheduled by dog size.
Small dogs can take the water from 10am to 12pm, followed by medium dogs from 12pm to 2pm, and large dogs from 2pm to 4pm.
Paul Dunphy, General Manager of Community Facilities at Bay Venues, says Memorial Pool is getting ready to close but before that happens, the pool will be made pooch friendly for one last splash.
Water levels will be lowered and chlorine removed, ensuring a safe and comfortable setting exclusively for dogs. For safety reasons, dog owners are not allowed to swim alongside their pets.
“Pooch in the Pool is all about celebrating our four-legged friends and bringing the community together in a fun way,” Paul says.
Beyond the pool, the event will include a range of food stalls and vendors, with entertainment and activities running throughout the day. This includes photo competitions with instant Polaroid keepsakes, prizes, and an obstacle course.
Smaller dogs will also have access to dedicated play areas with toys and water-based fun.
Tickets for Pooch in the Pool cost $16 for one dog. For a second or additional dog, tickets are $11. From the entry prices, $3 will be donated to Vada’s Angels Animal Rescue Tauranga, supporting local animal welfare efforts.
Pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged to secure a spot, which you can get from Baywave Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Memorial Pool, or online here.
Tickets will also be available on the day, with EFTPOS facilities at the side gate.
Attendees can come and go throughout the day, with wristbands provided to ensure easy re-entry.