Council adopts changes to youth recreation scholarship program to allow limited adult/senior awards

The City Council voted on Feb. 24 to amend the local assistance scholarship program used for parks and recreation classes so the scholarship covers the actual cost of a class (up to $250) and may be offered to adults and seniors in addition to youth.

Kelly Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation Director, told council the change is administrative and intended to increase program capacity and equity; under the revision the scholarship would be applied only toward the cost of the program or class rather than remain on an account for future use. Gonzalez said staff expects the program to remain focused on youth (staff recommended a 75% youth / 25% adult allocation as an administrative guideline, though council members noted that allocation is not written into the resolution and can be adjusted).

Council members questioned whether expanding eligibility to adults and seniors could reduce funds available to youth and whether fee increases or carryover scholarship funds might affect capacity. Gonzalez said the policy is on a trial basis, that the city currently has unused scholarship account balances from prior years, and that staff would work with schools and counselors to prioritize youth. Council discussed fundraising and other ways to bolster the fund; the motion to adopt the resolution passed on a roll call vote (unanimous).

What happens next: staff will implement the administrative changes, monitor take‑up (including whether seniors use awards disproportionately), and return to council if adjustments are needed.