I heard about recreation scholarships, what are the requirements and how do I apply for one?
Youth Scholarship
In early 2003 the Board of County Commissioners initiated a recreation sholarship program for La Plata County youth, which provides opportunities for children of low-income households who live outside the City of Durango to participate in city recreation programs and facilities at a reduced cost. The county's new program complements the City of Durango's scholarship program, which is available to city youngsters.
Scholarships are available to children under the age of 18. Eligibility for scholarships requires individuals and families:
*To have been residents of La Plata County for at least six months; and
*To be on a verifiable financial assistance program within the county.
Once a scholarship application is approved, the La Plata County Recreation Scholarship Program pays for 50% of participation in any city-sponsored recreation program or facility up to a maximum of $200 per household annually. In 2003, 84 county recreational scholarships with a value of $3,537 were provided to La Plata County youngsters.
The program is administered by the City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department, and scholarship applications may be obtained by calling 970-375-7300 or visiting the Durango Recreation Center at 2700 Main Avenue, Durango.
Senior Recreation Scholarship
Press Release - March 28, 2005
LA PLATA COUNTY AND CITY OF DURANGO
OFFER RECREATION SCHOLARSHIPS TO NEEDY SENIORS
La Plata County and the City of Durango are partnering to offer a recreational scholarship program to needy senior citizens. The program is modeled on the existing youth recreation scholarship program, another collaborative effort of La Plata County and the City of Durango, which provides opportunities for children of low-income households in La Plata County to participate in city recreation programs and the facilities at a reduced cost.
Effective April 1, 2005, eligible County residents aged 55 and over who have lived in La Plata County at least 6 months will be able to receive scholarships representing 50% of recreation program registration or facility admission cost up to a maximum of $200 per household. Applicants will be required to submit proof of residency and proof of participation in either Medicaid or the food stamp program to be eligible for a recreation scholarship. The City will provide scholarships to eligible applicants who reside within the city limits of Durango; the County will provide scholarships to those who live outside the city limits within La Plata County.
The program is administered by the City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department, and scholarship applications may be obtained by calling 970-375-7300 or visiting the Durango Community Recreation Center at 2700 Main Avenue, Durango.
People who live in the Bayfield, Ignacio and the surrounding areas can also benefit from recreation scholarships that are offered to needy individuals at the SunUte Recreation Center, 290 Mouache Circle, Ignacio. For additional information about obtaining a three-month scholarship membership to the SunUte Recreation Center, please call 970-563-0214.
