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FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- In Fairfield Saturday, the cold weather was not going to stop the community from taking the plunge to raise money for the city’s new recreation center.

For the ninth year, the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department held their polar plunge, a fundraiser that is very popular with people of all ages.

The plunge is one of many fundraisers the community is having so that the parks and recreation department can reach their goal of $10 million by spring for the new facility.

“We have about $6 million raised and our goal is to get up to $10 million before we can start construction on the project,” said Derik Wulfekuhle, Director of the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department.

Participants gathered at Waterworks Park for the annual event; some were dressed in costumes, while others wore swimsuits.

Spectators gathered along the lake, cheering on each participant as their name was announced before taking the plunge.

Fairfield resident Tom Anderson has been supporting the parks and recreation department for years; and raising money for a community he takes pride in.

“I feel that giving back to the community through the parks and recreation department is a service to humanity,” said Anderson. “I really feel that it is good to give back to the community that you live in.

Anderson added that the new facilities, when completed, will be great for the youth in the community. He also told KTVO that he does raise as much funds as he can for such a worthy cause.

“I really feel that it is good to give back to the community that you live in. What I do, is I go out and raise as much as I possible can for the parks and recreation department because they have a lot of need,” Anderson said.

Director Wulfekuhle added that if someone is interested in donating to the new recreation center, they can contact him through the department’s website.