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Recreation director outlines scholarship program and proposes adding weekday season pass
Summary
Recreation Director Albert Montero outlined the department—s financial assistance program: qualifying families receive 60% off activities and up to $100 per family member (max $500). Montero said the department budgets $15,000 annually and recommended adding the weekday season pass to the eligible items list.
Albert Montero, the Recreation Director, gave a detailed overview of the Parks and Recreation Department—s financial assistance program and proposed a change to expand eligible items.
Montero said the program is income-based, uses a chart from Dallas Fair Housing to determine eligibility, and provides a "60% discount off whatever program or activity" for qualifying families. He explained application requires proof of income (income tax return), Garland residency verification and identification, and that approvals are processed in-person at a recreation center.
Montero described the benefit structure: "So upon approval, a family could get, they'll get 60% off the program, and each family member will get a $100 towards a scholarship program. So with a max of $500." He also noted the department normally budgets "$15,000 a year for financial assistance for our program" and listed recent distributions: about $9,500 to 65 families in 23/24 and $14,533 to 68 families in 24/25. Montero recommended adding the weekday season pass to the scholarship program so qualifying residents would receive the 60% discount on that pass; staff said they will track usage and adjust next year if needed.
Board members raised outreach concerns and suggested sharing information with schools and the city press; staff agreed to include scholarship details in the April city press edition and to provide application handouts at recreation centers.
