Programs

Note:

2026 Polar Splash & Dash
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Event Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
Location: Central Park
Fee: $25.00

Bundle up and join Meridian Township Parks & Recreation for a fun and frosty day of racing, family activities, and an invigorating Polar Plunge! This event also serves as a fundraiser for the Meridian Cares program, helping provide emergency assistance to community members facing urgent financial needs. Your participation directly supports neighbors in need throughout the Township.

Event Schedule
10:30am – Event Opens / Check-in inside Meridian Township Municipal Building (5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, MI 48864) warming areas, sponsor booths, and pre-race activities available.
12:00pm – Polar 5K Race Begins
A brisk winter run through Central/South Central Park-Nancy Moore Park-Namoke Trail Apartment- and sidewalks along Marsh Road
12:15pm – Family Dash Begins
A shorter, family-friendly run/walk for participants of all ages that loops around South Central Park, across the boardwalk and back to Central Park.

1:45pm-2:15pm - 5k Race Awards Announced

2:30pm – Polar Plunge
Take the icy leap into the Polar Plunge Pool! Participants will take the plunge off a platform into the icy waters before exiting on the other side of the pool (approx. 30'' deep)

Check-In Information
All family dash runners and plungers must check in at the Meridian Township Municipal Building during the scheduled check in as mentioned above.
Race participants will receive their bib and safety pins at check in.
Polar Plunge participants will receive a plunge wristband and safety instructions.

Race Details
Polar 5K – 12:00pm
Timed race on a marked 5K course.
Water and first-aid available at the finish line.

Awards and results will be posted in the Meridian Township Municipal Building (5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, MI 48864) where check-ins occurred.

Family Dash – 12:15pm
Non-timed, family-friendly run/walk.
Strollers and young children welcome.
Route is fully marked and monitored by staff and volunteers.

Polar Plunge Details – 2:30pm
Plungers will be called in small groups and/or by family.
Proper rescue personnel will be on site at all times.
Warming stations and hot coco will be available immediately after exiting the water.
Participants must wear footwear that secures to their feet (no flip-flops).

General Event Notes
Dress appropriately for winter conditions; layers recommended.
Restrooms and warming areas located near the polar plunge area and inside the Meridian Township Municipal Building (5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, MI 48864).

Parking available at Central Park or by the Meridian Mall next to Chili's.

Safety Reminders
Trails may be snowy or icy; please exercise caution.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
For the Polar Plunge, participants should be in good health and follow all staff directions.
If weather conditions become extreme, adjustments will be announced at the event and via email/SMS notifications.