Fee Assistance

Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department’s
Reduced Fee Policy and Procedure for
Recreation Division Programs

There are many individuals in the community who are sometimes unable to participate in Parks and Recreation programs due to limited income. In order to help accommodate these individuals and families, the following procedure has been established for Recreation Division reduced fees. This policy does not cover swim passes, S.O.A.R., Miller Park Zoo, or golf course fees and programs.

1. Reduced fees will be limited to three (3) programs per individual per calendar year for a maximum of $175 per person per year (max. of $325 for Day Camp).
2. Reduced fees will only be available to those under the age of 16.
3. Reduced fees will only be granted for recreation programs solely sponsored by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.
4. Reduced fees are not given for programs when primary costs are contractual, e.g. trips and tours, taekwondo. The instructors in these programs are paid on a per person or percentage of fees collected basis. Should these independent contractors want to give assistance, they do so at their own discretion.
5. There will be no full reductions given. More partial assistance is given so more people can participate. It will be the judgment of the Superintendent of Recreation to determine final amount of the fee reduction. Payment plans can be set up for balances due.
6. If someone is having a difficult time making payments for an expensive program, such as day camp, arrangements can be made for payments. People who abuse this privilege by not paying will not be allowed into programs until they do pay. Payment plans will be for a maximum of 3 months duration.
7. Reduced fees for t-ball, after school sports, and other special interest programs will be allowed, after the minimum number of registrants needed to break even have registered, provided space is available in the class when the reduced fee is requested. For every three fully paid registrations above the minimum, one partial fee will be given, up to the maximum class registration.
8. Reduced fee applications will be accepted up until two weeks before a program starts. Applicants will notified of a decision at least one week before the program starts if all their paperwork is completed.
9. Individuals receiving a reduced fee for day camp may register for more than one session at the same time, but must pay what is due for the first session before starting the next session.

Reduced Fee Eligibility Criteria
In order for applicants to be eligible for reduced fees, the following requirements must be met:

1. 1. Total family income does not exceed 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
   

   Family Size	Max. Annual Income	Family Size	Annual Income
   2	$26,954	6	$54,630
   3	$33,873	7	$61,549
   4	$40,792	8	$68,468
   5	$47,711

2. Individuals must reside within the corporate city limits of Bloomington. Proof of residency is required. (ie. - Voter’s registration card, current driver’s license, monthly bill with address).
3. Applicants must provide income documentation. Individuals receiving Public Aid must submit an official public aid form listing public aid income received and all members who are eligible. Individuals not receiving public aid, but who are able to document a hardship case can submit income tax returns, social security assistance, recent pay slips or any other document that will show a record of the family’s annual income.
   Applicants are guaranteed that their personal finances will not be discussed outside the department. It is the primary responsibility of the Interviewer to maintain a level of privacy about the applicants’ financial status.
4. Applicants must provide a completed application, along with their income and residency documentation, plus a program registration form and 25% deposit for each program/session to secure a place in the program. If a deposit is not given, the program may be filled while the process is being completed.
5. A letter of reference will also be required. This will need to come from someone involved with your family on one of these levels: a) social worker, b) teacher, or c) minister or priest. The letter will have to address your family’s need for the assistance and the benefit that your family will derive from participating in the program(s).

Reduced Fee Application