Foundation Approves $20,000 in MCC Scholarships and Sponsorships

Published on February 21, 2025

From new fitness equipment to helping low-income patrons of the Merriam Community Center, one group is supporting the City’s Parks and Recreation Department in a big way.

The Merriam Park, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation recently approved spending more than $20,000 for MCC scholarships and sponsorships, including:

• $9,000 to offset costs for MCC memberships and Senior Fit Class Pass for low-income residents.
• $8,000 to purchase a squat rack platform for the MCC fitness center.
• $2,500 to purchase a year’s supply of coffee, cups, and other supplies for MCC patrons.
• $1,000 to pay for the 2025 Heartland Purchase Award, a permanent piece of artwork that is displayed at the MCC or City Hall.
• $1,000 to help sponsor Merriam Drive Live.
• Unlimited scholarships for low-income members of the Merriam Dolphin Swim and Dive teams.

Merriam Parks and Recreation Director Anna Slocum said she values the Foundation’s contributions to helping all patrons of the community center.

“While we don’t rely on these funds for budget purposes, they do offset costs for our income-eligible patrons and fitness equipment we weren’t planning on purchasing this year,” Slocum said. “We appreciate the Foundation’s commitment to the MCC, our parks department, and our visitors.”

Established in 1988 to support Merriam's recreation facilities, programs, and parks, the Foundation has provided more than $200,000 to assist the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.