Padden Polar Dip Beginnings

January 1^st, 2002 while driving back into Bellingham after watching his mother, Darlene Williams, participate in the Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge. Long time Bellingham resident and swim coach Jim Williams wondered… why doesn’t the city of Bellingham hold a Polar Dip on New Years Day?

Williams’s goals for such an event were relatively modest, start an annual community event; shed some light on local swim teams and keep the event totally free.

With that in mind he approached Lori Jacobson, manager at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center in November of 2002 to see if she would be interested in the project and possibly supplying lifeguards and a location. Bellingham Bay was Williams’s first choice and either Boulevard Park or Post Point Park. Lori was thrilled with the idea of starting a local Polar Dip; however, she had concerns regarding both parks because of their lack of safe entry into the Bay by a large number of people. She approached Dick Henry of the Parks & Recreation department for the City of Bellingham and Lake Padden was suggested.

The Lake Padden site would allow a safer entry into the water, locker rooms and heated showers. Lori, also, was willing to offer her qualified lifeguards to oversee the event. 

At that point Lance Romo, Program Coordinator for Parks and Recreation was handed the duty of organizing and promoting. It was Romo that named the event and brought up the idea of adding a resolution walk/run around the lake and so, it took shape. On January 1, 2003 the first annual resolution walk/run and polar dip were held starting a tradition, hopefully, that will continue for many years to come.     

Over the years sponsors have supplied hot coffee, cocoa, tea, chili, bread, t-shirts, certificates and website to help make this event a success. Thanks to all of you!

2008 Polar Dip Featured

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