Every Dog into The Pool!

By Dan Guarino

Saturday, July 19, truly went to the dogs as pups of all shapes and sizes, and their people, descended on Rockaway’s Freeway Dog Run off Beach Channel Drive at Beach 83rd St. for its first canine Pool Party and Ice Cream Social. Organized by the non-profit Tail Waggers Task Force, the event ran from 2 to 4 p.m.

“We had an amazing time!” Tail Wagger’s president Fred Rodriguez noted. “From splashy pups to smiling hoomans, it was a day full of fun, laughter, and community spirit.”

Three pools filled with cool water were set up for the pups, along with a smaller pool, two sprinkler pads-one shaped like a summer popsicle, and a “foam and bacon flavored” bubble machine. Pups gleefully jumped in and out of the water, shook off wet fur, chased bubbles and owner thrown dog toys, rolled in the grass, ran around the spacious park and enjoyably socialized with other pets.

Owners from around Rockaway and beyond, some drawn by the event and visiting the park for the first time, roamed with their pets, and relaxed at picnic tables and on benches, chatting and getting to know other pet enthusiasts.

Tail Waggers estimates that about 35 dogs attended the event over the course of the afternoon, along with some 50 humans.

Dogs even enjoyed cool refreshments as Tail Waggers volunteers passed out Ben & Jerry’s ice cream treats made specially for dogs, topped off with fresh whipped cream. Some pups lapped it up crowding in three to a cup.

Event flyers invited visitors to also join in the fun and hop in the pool with their pets, which one or two did. Along with numerous members of their families, dozens of dogs attended, some decked out in sporty summer outfits and even a bikini. Even the weather helped out with warm but not overly hot temperatures, a considerable drop in humidity and just enough cloud cover to provide some cooling shade.

Weeks before the event, the dog run had been plagued by a large proliferation of mosquitos, making it difficult for many to enjoy the space. The Tail Waggers worked diligently with NYC Parks and local elected officials to make sure grasses were cut down and all weeds removed ahead of the pool party. They also made sure all five mosquito zapping machines were up and running, and used pet friendly outdoor mosquito bombs overnight to help mitigate the situation. The event itself was bug free.

The day included raffle drawings for prizes such as doggie gift baskets, pet photography sessions, dog boarding services, mounted painting-sized Rockaway scene photos, local theatre tickets and pickleball gift certificates. Prize donors included Connor’s Canine Cookies, the Tail Waggers Task Force, Kelly Iannello Photography, Puppy Paradise Boarding Services, photographer/Rockaway Times writer Dan Guarino, the Rockaway Theatre Company and the newly opened Rockaway Beach Pickleball.

“We’re excited to share that we raised over $200 toward our goal of installing new agility equipment for the park!” Rodriguez reported.

He noted, “Throughout the summer, we’ll be randomly setting up a pool or two for our community pups to enjoy—so keep your eyes open and your paws ready!”

The Tail Waggers Task Force describes itself as “a small group of dedicated dog owners who have been bringing their pups to the Freeway Dog Run for years.” In 2024, the group, headed by president Fred Rodriguez, officially partnered with NYC’s Parks Department and agreed to take over the stewardship of the Freeway Dog Run. They note, “This is the largest off leash dog park in the city and is frequented by a large number of dogs from Rockaway and surrounding areas.”

The group works with Parks to make sure the grounds are kept clean and dog owners are picking up after their pets. Since becoming its official stewards, the Tail Waggers has added signage throughout the park, decorated for various holidays and set up website and Facebook pages where people can “see the fun the dogs have in the park on a daily basis.”

The group organizes various events throughout the year, which peninsula pet owners and others have come to look forward to and enjoy. These have included a Halloween Canine Costume Party, and Christmastime event where “pups got to sit on Santa’s lap for a photo op and receive a framed picture as a memento of the day.” On Saturday, June 21, Tail Waggers partnered with the North Shore Animal League for an adoption event where nine dogs and cats in need found loving homes in Rockaway.

On Sunday, September 7, from 3 to 5 p.m., Tail Waggers will present Rockaway Best of Show, an “exciting dog show event featuring local dogs. Enter your pup for a chance to win a prize while supporting the Dog Park Stewards community and Bragging Rights.” Tickets are available at www.tailwaggers.org.

The following Saturday, September 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. there will be a dog park cleanup day, followed by time for “dog-friendly drinks” and a chance “to socialize and connect with fellow dog lovers.” Volunteers can sign up at the Tail Wagger’s website.

As for the successful Pool Party and Ice Cream Social, Tail Wagger’s president Rodriguez summed up by saying, “To everyone who came out—THANK YOU!”

Photos by Dan Guarino.