Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund
Teach a child the skills to swim, the joys of paddling a kayak, the chance to discover ice skating and provide a place to go on a hot summer day for swimming fun with the family. With your donation to the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund, you are providing life-long health and recreation experiences for city residents in need.
The Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund provides city residents access to our park facilities and programs regardless of economic situation. Our scholarship program provides income eligible families exposure to positive experiences, active lifestyles and mentors, as well as opportunities to gain and refine life skills, and to develop positive personal and social assets. Parks provide wonderful opportunities for children of all ages to build the skills and strengths they need to lead full and rewarding lives.
The 2008 U.S. Census shows Ann Arbor experienced a significant jump in the number of people living in poverty. The number of city residents who apply and qualify for the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Scholarships continues to grow and we are committed to provide this service for all of the community members in need. The scholarship value awarded for Fiscal Year 2009 was $521,500 with 771 individuals participating in our park facility activities and diverse programs.
Your gift to the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund will help:
Teach a child/adult to swim, (beginning swim lessons) $45
Provide a learn-to-skate lesson, $55
Fund the cost of a yoga class at the Senior Center, $56
Send a student to junior golf camp, $115
Provide a child a week of summer day camp, $175
Provide an entire family a season pool pass, $250
Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund. 100% of the donations go directly to support scholarships for Ann Arbor residents in Ann Arbor. We need your help to provide recreation opportunities to build a sense of community, create safer neighborhoods and engage families in experiential learning and healthy physical activities. Your contribution will be put to work immediately to make Ann Arbor a healthier city! Thank you for considering a donation and we look forward to hearing from you.
How to make a donation: Contact City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Services at 734.794.6230. To view and download the scholarship brochure, click here (PDF).
Ann Arbor Scholarship Recipient Testimonials
"We used the scholarship for Vet's pool. Without it, we wouldn't be able to use any facilities. I have five children and its been difficult to make ends meet, but my family has not felt deprived because of what the city of Ann Arbor has been able to provide."
Michelle Rackley
"We were very blessed to get the scholarship. I'm happy that we have the program for ice skating and swimming. My boys learned to swim because of the program, so not only did it give us recreation, but it could save a life."
Taquanyia Hogan
"We went to Vet's and had fun. Its been really nice to have the scholarship. I have a big family with different age ranges and couldn't afford to go so it was really nice."
Sally Hewens
"Thanks to the generous scholarship through Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation we were able to enroll our children in educational classes, as well as a number of extremely enjoyable camps over the summer and during other school breaks. I cannot tell you how much that meant to my family, especially as it grew to accommodate four little girls! Most of all, we so appreciated the pool passes in the summer that allowed our family to spend time together when we could not afford to take vacations. So thank you so much!"
Derek & Maren Hansen
"I had to leave my job to care for our special needs child. One of his favorite things to do is swim. He wants to go every day and I am not able to afford to go. His summer was a little brighter. To see the joy in his face when we went swimming is priceless."
2009 Ann Arbor Scholarship Recipient