DOG PPL, the members-only dog park and social club in Ocean Park, is hauling 200,000 pounds of California sand into its 21,000-square-foot facility to stage a one-day "Beach Day" on Sunday, Aug. 23. The actual Pacific Ocean sits about two miles away.

Co-founder Alex Esguerra told the Santa Monica Sun the stunt grew out of a grander plan that fell apart. He originally envisioned renting a Malibu beach house, setting up fencing, and turning a lifeguard tower into a DJ booth. Permit hurdles and local off-leash laws killed that idea.

"At first glance it sounds ridiculous," Esguerra said. "But for me, it's smart. If you can't go to the beach, bring the beach to you."

Starting late Saturday night, Aug. 22, a 20-person crew with shovels, wheelbarrows and heavy-duty industrial tarps will cover the park's artificial turf. Esguerra said the sand volume is enough to fill a 15,000-gallon swimming pool. When gates open Sunday, dogs will splash in eight-foot pools while members get complimentary Goop Kitchen pizza, Pisco lemonades and access to dog-washing stations sponsored by luxury brand OUAI.

Monday morning, Aug. 24, the sand gets scooped up and filtered back into local playground supply chains.

Esguerra and co-founder Liam Underwood opened DOG PPL in 2021. Monthly memberships start at $130, and the club employs on-duty staffers called "Rufferees" who supervise play and conduct behavior assessments for prospective member dogs.

The Beach Day fits a pattern of over-the-top programming. The club has previously hosted country line dancing with a mechanical bull, disco nights, a drag show and an annual winter event that blankets the park in artificial snow.

DOG PPL is also actively searching for a second Southern California location. Esguerra said the founders are eyeing post-COVID business parks weighed down by office vacancies and empty asphalt, properties that offer a large footprint, outdoor space, utilities and parking. He said the club has several potential sites in the pipeline but nothing firm enough to announce, adding that five years in the business has taught him real estate deals take longer than anyone imagines.

The club celebrates its fifth anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 9. No second location or timeline has been announced.