Salina’s Kenwood Cove water park went to the dogs Monday evening.

After closing on Sunday, the water park opened Monday evening for one final swim, the annual “Pooch Plunge”.

Only owners and their dogs were allowed in the water. They were able to swim in the wave pool and lazy river areas.

The event proved popular. A large crowd of people, and their dogs, were lined up as the gates opened. They enjoyed last swim of the summer on a sunny, hot late-summer evening with their best friend, their dog. There were dogs of all shapes and sizes. There were pooches as small as Chiuauas, as large as Great Danes, and everything in between.

Salina Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond told KSAL News the popular “Pooch Plunge” event has become the a tradition ad the final event of the year at the water park. This was the 16th year for the event.

Hammond says there’s a simple reason why the water park closes for the season in early August, with hot days still ahead. The majority of his staff are headed back school.

Hammond says it’s been a great summer at the pool. Things started of cloudy and cool in late May and early June. By July, though, as thing heated up so did attendance. They were at capacity several time during the season, including both this past Saturday and Sunday, which were two of the busiest days of the season.

Kenwood Cove is now closed for the season. It will open again on Memorial Day Weekend 2027..