Totally Texas -- School days, dog day, cool spray

Can summer vacation possibly be over? It seems only hours since most schools ended classes in early June. But school starts for most North Texas kids Monday;

Most city pools have already closed. But if you thought last weekend, when area pools welcomed visits from our best friends, was your last chance to catch some waves with the four-legged ones, think again. This Saturday, August 23, Dallas’ Samuell Grand Pool, 3201 Samuell Blvd. in Dallas, hosts a last Dog Day Afternoon. From 2-5 p.m. Saturday, dogs swim for $5 a pup.

Since the pool is now closed to humans, going to the dogs is a fun way to close before the pool gets drained anyway. For tips on what to do or not do, on a doggy swim day, see http://dallasdoglife.com/events/dog-day-afternoon-2/.

Luckily for the two-footed, Dallas city spraygrounds remain open through Labor Day, September 1. Always free, they’re a great way to cool off when 100+ degree days make last winter’s polar vortex seem like a fond memory.

My grandsons wanted to huddle indoors during the heat this week. But the combination of exuberant kids and my exuberant new dogs was more than my little house could handle. On with the swim suits (for kids) and leashes (for dogs) and off to the local spray park where I watched the dogs while the boys romped through the water. Most spray parks are open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., but check www.dallasaquatics.org/132/Spraygrounds for specifics in your neighborhood. Unfortunately, the only dogs they allow are service animals.

For a lingering dose of free water fun, you’ll have to leave the dogs at home. Local parks we liked boasting kid-friendly fountains include Addison Circle Park, at Addison Circle Drive; Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway in Dallas (which includes a separate dog park); Pegasus Plaza, Main and Akard in Dallas; and Main Street Garden, 1900 Main Street, Dallas.

For additional fountain options, see “Water spouts keep summer flowing”, August 9, 2013, and “Summer winds down, splashes keep going,” August 16, 2013, both at this site.

The Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road in Dallas, is home to both the Toad Fountain in the main garden and the entryway fountains at its Children’s Adventure Garden. Admission to the Arboretum and to the Children’s Adventure Garden is $1 through August 31.

(Next Friday, a preview of fall--yes, fall--festivals)

Totally Texas -- Ready, set, row!

Cardboard Boat Races

Samuell Grand Pool

3201 Samuell Blvd. (near I-30 and E. Grand Ave.)

Dallas, Texas

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When I heard about the art of racing boats made of cardboard, my first thought was, it can’t be done. Second thought--maybe if it can cross the pool really fast. . . And then, well, the course has to be across the short side of the pool. And final thought--it’ll be really fun.

I was only right about the last possibility. Half the fun of propelling a contraption made of cardboard across a body of water is the fun of falling into the water on a hot summer day. And even the boats that collapse can still win prizes if their teams can push them all the way to the finish line.

But no, you can’t take the short route. You’ve got to get the entire length of the pool, starting at the deep end. Luckily for today’s participants, most of whom can expect to end up wetter than their boats, there are lifeguards.

And about that speed issue? Forget it. Floatability counts more than streamlining. The winners were all heavily coated in waterproof tape, the only structural material allowed, other than the cardboard itself. Even so, as you can see from the illustration for this post, duct tape can only help so much. Then it’s up to the team (maximum size, six members) to row, push or pull their soggy vessels all the way to the end.

And the term “boat” may be a slight misnomer. The key is to put together anything that will float, including rafts. Judging from last year’s entries, participants are not actually required to remain inside the vessel.  Pushing and towing are definitely allowed.

A call this afternoon from Dallas Aquatics confirmed that boats can be registered as late as 6:30 p.m. today, July 11, at Samuell Grand Pool.  There is a $15 entry fee per boat.  Races will start at 6:30 and last well, as long as it takes. 

Admission to the pool and to watch the races, is $1 for kids, $2 for those age 12 and older. Normal hours at Samuell Grand Pool are 1-8 p.m., Saturday through Wednesday. See you at the races!

For more information about Dallas public pools and their programs, see
www.dallasaquatics.org/.