Monday, November 10, 2025
46 ° Cloudy
46 ° Cloudy
The sounds of splashing water and playful barks echoed across the Fanny Chapman Pool in Doylestown on Saturday, September 6. But this wasn’t a typical pool day; instead of children leaping off the diving board or neighbors lounging in the sun, dozens of dogs dove, paddled, and bounded through the water during the annual Fido Float at Fanny.
Now in its 11th year, this event, run in partnership with Doylestown Township, Doylestown Borough, and the Doylestown Animal Medical Clinic has become a fun tradition for dog lovers. With three separate sessions; two for large dogs (30 lbs. +) and one for small dogs (29 lbs. and under), Fanny Chapman Pool becomes a doggy paradise, giving pups the rare chance to swim freely in a public pool before it is drained and winterized for the season. Large dogs swim in the big pool while small dogs enjoy the toddler pool.
For the people behind the event, the mission is about much more than fun. Proceeds from the Fido Float support the Doylestown Dog Park, a membership-based, three-acre space located at Turk Park III. Funds go directly toward upkeep, turf rotation, and ensuring the park remains a safe, welcoming place for dogs and their owners.
Karen Sweeney, Director of Parks and Recreation for Doylestown Township, recalled the early days of the event. “This is our 11th year holding this event,” Sweeney explained. “It started with an idea. We had just opened the dog park on Turk Road, and the dog park advisory board talked about creating something special. We reached out to the Doylestown Borough and Fanny Chapman Board, who runs Fanny Chapman Pool, and partnered with a local veterinary hospital, Doylestown Animal Medical Clinic, to provide on-site support in case it was needed. The pieces just fell together.”
At first, there was hesitation. “We were a bit tentative about putting a bunch of dogs together in a community pool,” Sweeney admitted. “But we thought it out carefully, which is why we thought inclusion of a veterinary hospital would add a measure of safety. We had a lot of volunteers, dog wranglers, and a specific registration process. Over the years, we’ve developed a recipe that works.”
That “recipe” includes strict safety measures: no treats or outside toys (to avoid possessiveness), life vests for dogs who need them, and a requirement that owners stay with their dogs at all times. “We want the owners to be responsible,” Sweeney said. “This is about giving dogs the best possible opportunity for fun without distractions.”
The results speak for themselves. Each year, the event fills quickly, with dozens of dogs preregistered across the three sessions. This year, the first large-dog session sold out at 40 dogs, while the second session had a registration of 33. The small-dog session rounded out the day with nearly 16 pups. Unfortunately, storms rolled just in time for the small dog session. Although a rain or shine event, persistent rounds of thunder, extended the required pool closure intervals multiple times which sadly resulted in cancellation of the afternoon session.
Repeat swimmers are common. Sweeney recalled one dog who was initially tentative of the water but was coaxed in gently with a life vest. “Since then, year after year, we can’t get her out of the pool,” she laughed. “Now she’s a regular.”
Sweeney’s own rescue dogs, both under 12 pounds, also participate. “This is a large dog-loving community, and this is an opportunity that only comes along once a year. It’s a great community engagement event and a really special experience for the dogs.”
For many attendees, Fido Float at Fanny has become a family tradition, often heard described as, “the best day of the year.”
“I brought my mixed-breed terrier, Keba,” said Chanin Walsh of Doylestown, who has attended for years. “I do this every year to support the dog park. She’s a runner; she loves chasing her ball. This event is perfect for her.”
Madison Cornell, also from Doylestown, brought her Bernese Mountain Dogs. “There aren’t many places where you can take your dogs to swim,” Cornell said. “This was such a fun idea. I love taking my dogs to the Doylestown Dog Park, too, because it’s a safe place to bring them, and I’ve made so many like-minded friends there who all really care about their dogs.”
For Jeffrey Berman, the Fido Float was a first-time experience. He had recently joined the dog park and decided to bring his Labrador to the swim. “When I heard about this event, I thought it sounded like fun,” he said. “I just joined the dog park a few weeks ago, and already I’ve met so many people. I’m new to the area, and folks there have shared stories about the community and its history. My dog loves the socialization, and now this event gave us another chance to connect.”
Proceeds from the swim go directly to maintaining the Doylestown Dog Park, which opened in 2012. The three-acre facility includes separate areas for large and small dogs, plus a rotating section that allows the turf to recover. The park also features shaded pavilions, water fountains, benches, and play pieces.
What sets Doylestown’s Park apart is its membership structure. All members must complete an orientation session led by staff, volunteers, and a certified trainer. Participants learn about dog behavior, safe park use, and the responsibilities of ownership. Proof of vaccinations and licenses is required, and members receive a key fob to access the park.
“The whole concept was about safety, for both the dogs and the owners,” Sweeney explained. “Because everyone goes through orientation, we’ve had relatively few incidents compared to open dog parks. It creates peace of mind. And it’s still such a beautiful space, with trees, grass, and room to run.”
While proceeds from Fido Float at Fanny help with upkeep of the park, the event’s true magic lies in the memories made. Owners wade into the water beside their dogs, tossing balls, encouraging first swims, and laughing as pups shake water in every direction.
“It’s a great way to close out the summer,” Walsh noted
For Berman, the event was also about connection. “Being new here, it’s really nice to have an event like this,” he said. “It brings people together. My Labrador has made new dog friends, and I’ve made new people friends.”
After more than a decade, Fido Float at Fanny has become an important part of Doylestown’s calendar for dog lovers.
“The ultimate purpose was always to create a fun place for dogs and their owners,” Sweeney reflected. “We’re always looking for recreational opportunities for ourselves, our kids, our families. This gives dogs that same chance. It’s fun, it’s safe, and it’s community-building. That’s what makes it special.”
For one day each year, the Fanny Chapman Pool belongs not to people but to the dogs, and the joy they bring. And thanks to the proceeds, the Doylestown Dog Park will continue to thrive, ensuring year-round fun for furry friends.
