Each year the Centennial Park Pool closes just before the Missouri State Fair, usually because the Missouri State Fair is starting up and demand for the two pools goes down as people flock to the Fairgrounds.  The other rational is some of the lifeguards are college students and they begin their trek back to college.

In the last few years, a tradition has started up where on the last day before the pools are drained, they allow dogs to come out and swim.  The doggie dive will occur at Centennial Park Pool today (August 7) starting at 6 p.m. and will last until 7:30 p.m.