After the renovations are complete, the park will feature some amenities that city leaders have been pushing for.

While this year’s Polar Plunge will still be outside and in-person, it won’t be a run into the New River.

The annual New River Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics returns to Bisset Park in Radford for the 2022 event, after the 2021 event was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published: May 21, 2020, 4:56 pm Updated: May 22, 2020, 10:15 amRADFORD, Va. The New River in Radford has reach major flood stage, according to the National Weather Service. In 24 hours, the New River at Radford rose more than 15 feet. As of 9:15 a.m., the river is down to 17.01 feet, which is just above the 16-foot moderate flood stage threshold. Already, the New River has overflowed into Bisset Park, which is now completely underwater. Full Screen 1 / 5 Flooding in Bisset Park in Radford on May 21, 2020.

The brothers have traveled the world participating in Special Olympics competitions. Ben recently returned from the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational where he earned a silver medal in the giant slalom. Both agree, Special Olympics has shaped who they are. "Without running and Special Olympics, I probably wouldn't be running right now or playing basketball either," Josh said. Ben and Josh said they now have their sights set on qualifying for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

The New River Polar Plunge is set for Feb. 22 at Dudley’s Landing in Radford’s Bisset Park. Check-in registration begins at 10 a.m. with the Plunge set for 12:30 p.m. The funds raised from this event help Special Olympics Virginia and its mission to help more than 25,000 athletes of all abilities. This year, the plunge is looking to raise $55,000. Not looking to take the plunge yourself but still want to donate?