Building on the success that involved hundreds of area residents last year, Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District has announced the return of two events that premiered in 2024.
The Presidential Polar Plunge on Feb. 17 and the Spring Into Action Fitness Challenge, kicking off March 24, will help get residents out of the house and into fitness mode as the district works toward promoting health and wellness.
The second annual Presidential Polar Plunge will begin at 9 a.m. at the Dye Natatorium pool. The event is free for everyone ages 10 and up. Free coffee, donated by Starbucks, and hot chocolate will be served, and plenty of heaters will warm up the pool deck.
The district hopes to grow its activities at the pool this year and is hiring lifeguards to work as much as 30 to 40 hours per week from April through September.
About a month after the polar plunge, the Spring Into Action fitness challenge kicks off on March 24 and runs through June 2.
“Last year, the community collectively logged an incredible 78,000 miles from March to September, proving that Tehachapi is full of motivated individuals ready to take on a challenge,” Recreation Manager Sarai Diaz said. “This year, TVRPD is calling on even more participants to lace up their running shoes, hop on their bikes, or dive into the water to set new records.”
She said that using the ChallengeRunner app, individuals and teams can track their progress, compete for top spots, and stay motivated. The top three participants in each category will win prizes at the end of the challenge. Whether tracking miles manually or using a fitness watch, every step, pedal and stroke counts.
Participants can log miles in three categories — running or walking, cycling and swimming.
The challenge is open to everyone in the Tehachapi area, whether participating solo or as part of a team. To sign up, scan the QR code on the event flyer or visit bit.ly/4hpS1YM.
The city of Tehachapi and Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District are co-sponsors of the fitness challenge.
ADA survey
In keeping with its ongoing efforts to serve all members of the public, the district is in the process of conducting an update to its Americans with Disabilities Act self-evaluation and transition plan.
The accessibility plan provides a comprehensive plan for accessibility for persons with disabilities to District facilities, programs, services, activities and events.
More information and a link to a survey is online at tvrpd.org.
Upcoming events
TVRPD has also announced dates for popular traditional events, including:
• Easter Egg Hunt at West Park, Saturday, April 19.
• Fishing Derby at Brite Lake, Saturday, May 17.
• Oldtimer’s Reunion, Sunday, Aug. 3.
For more details, follow TVRPD on social media (@teh_rec_park) or visit tvrpd.org.
Claudia Elliott is a freelance journalist. She can be reached by email: claudia@claudiaelliott.net.