Waukegan’s Polar Bear Plunge returns for the 27th year on Jan. 1
There are some benefits people gain when they take the plunge! In Waukegan, the biggest benefit is the support it provides to Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County.
The Waukegan Park District and city of Waukegan are partnering to host the 27th annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday, Jan. 1, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 E. Sea Horse Drive.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County — Waukegan, helping individuals with disabilities participate in camps, athletics, health and fitness programs, and more.
“The City of Waukegan is proud to partner with the Waukegan Park District to host the 27th annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge. There is truly no better way to start the new year than by supporting special recreation,” said Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham. “It is always inspiring to see so many brave individuals plunging into cold waters to raise funds that will benefit individuals with disabilities. Even in the cold, Waukegan shows up with warm hearts.”
Founded in 2000, Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County is an intergovernmental cooperative entity that provides community recreation to individuals with disabilities at the Waukegan Park District and the Zion Park District.
Its mission is to educate citizens to become responsible, productive, and contributing members of society by preparing them through recreation in a dynamic and caring environment, promoting enthusiasm, and encouraging their participation.
Congratulations to the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County on their 25th year anniversary of changing lives!
Individuals can preregister for $20 per plunger online or at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. Preregistration will be open until noon Tuesday, Dec. 30.
On-site registration for $25 per plunger will be available from 9 to 10:45 a.m. on the day of the event. The first 400 plungers will receive a commemorative event shirt.
Park district executive director Jay Lerner said, “The 27th annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge is an impactful and fun way to welcome the new year. The Waukegan Park District appreciate the efforts of all the plungers, sponsors, and volunteers who make the annual event a success.
BCU is the Anniversary Sponsor of the 27th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge. The Waukegan Park District is grateful for the continuous support from BCU. Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, BCU is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union with more than 325,000 members in the United States and Puerto Rico. Find all their resources here.
For more information and to register, go to waukeganparks.org/plunge.
“The Waukegan Park District and City of Waukegan do a phenomenal job of putting this event together,” said George Bridges, park board president. “Every brave jump into the water is a symbol that the community is supporting Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County. It warms my heart to see the community take the plunge for such an important cause.”
About the Waukegan Park District
The Waukegan Park District, incorporated in 1916, manages 52 properties on 740 acres of land and serves more than 86,000 people, making it the 11th largest park district in Illinois.
In addition to overseeing 41 parks, the Waukegan Park District operates several facilities, including the Adaptive Recreation Center, Administrative Center, Belvidere Recreation Center, Bonnie Brook Golf Course, Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, Greenshire Golf Course, Jack Benny Center for the Arts, SplashZone, and Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark.
Programs and events are offered year-round for individuals of all ages and abilities, emphasizing healthy lifestyles, fostering environmental stewardship, and promoting cultural education.
With 74 full-time employees and 222 part-time and/or seasonal employees, the Waukegan Park District is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association, Illinois Association of Park Districts, Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and the Park District Risk Management Agency.
The Waukegan Park District was awarded the National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013 and has been named a finalist for the award seven times. The Waukegan Park District is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and maintains state accreditation through the IAPD/IPRA Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency program.
For more information about the Waukegan Park District, go to waukeganparks.org.