Carla Clark | For The Republic Austin Douglas jumps into the pool during the Plunge into Parks fundraiser for the Columbus Park Foundation on 4th Street, Columbus, Ind., Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Local residents and celebrities accepted the invitation from the Columbus Parks Foundation to take a Plunge Into Parks into icy water Saturday.
Columbus Parks and Recreation Project and Resource Development Manager Celeste Reynolds said the idea for Plunge Into Parks emerged as they were thinking of a fun and different event that incorporated wellness as well as one the community could participate in. After receiving a warm reception last year and over $10,000 raised for a women’s locker room at the Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena, they decided to bring it back this year.
This year’s Plunge Into Parks event served as a fundraiser for an additional locker room that can also be used as a multipurpose space at the Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena. Themed to a retro 90s winter party, the event had live onsite music from White River Broadcasting, food and drinks, warming stations, games and an optional free 5K.
Local celebrities participated including Columbus Education Foundation’s Jim Roberts, Ike DeClue with the Office of Downtown Development, Coca-Cola Company owner Hutch Schumaker, author Brandon Andress, Columbus East High School soccer coaches Sam LaVelle and Coach Damon, media producer Jeff Goldman, regional radio host Austin Douglas and Bartholomew County Shrine Club president for 2025 Jeron Wilber.
