If the polar bears are out, it’s a New Year in Renton The annual Polar Bear Dip was Tuesday at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on Lake Washington. January 2, 2013 2:08 pm Sunny skies and a very cold Lake Washington attracted dozens of hardy souls for the annual Polar Bear Dip Tuesday at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park to mark the New Year. The dip is sponsored by the Ivar's and the City of Renton.