MASON CITY – The Mason City park board gave the go-ahead to continue the “doggie dip” annual event despite a warning that it costs thousands of dollars to clean up after the pooches.
Regarding a recommendation from Recreation Director Brian Pauly that the event be canceled, Mr. Pauly told the board this week that it will cost over $3,000.00 to have filters maintained after
having the Dog Dip.
“We could increase all Youth Programs by $1.00 and Adult Programs $30.00, to help with filter cost,” Mr. Pauly told the board Tuesday night during its regular meeting.
“Turning off pool features, such as the water slides and sprayers, would help with preventing hair to reach the filters.”
NIT was told by a source that some people bring their dogs to the event and the dogs are “filthy” and “beyond nasty… these people apparently never wash their dogs, except for when they take them to the pool this one time.”
Operation Director Bill Stangler told the board that a park employee does not think it’s a dog hair issue and the Dog Dip can still function without clogging the filters.
After board discussion, board member Troy Levenhagen moved to still have the Doggie Dip at the end of this pool season, with turning all features off, then evaluate afterwards.
The board unanimously agreed.
