Scholarship Application Process

Merriam Parks and Recreation is committed to providing quality recreation opportunities to all resident households, regardless of their economic condition. Since user fees support the recreational programs and facility memberships offered by the City of Merriam Parks and Recreation Department, program participants are required to pay registration fees for each program in which they register. To assist residents in offsetting the costs, there are various scholarships available to qualifying families in order to receive assistance in off-setting fees.

 

Online

Step 1.Gather required documentation

  1. Proof of Merriam residency - proper identification (valid driver's license, state issued identification, current utility bill (electric, gas or water), current city business license or Notice of Appraised Value issued by Johnson County Assessor's Office
  2. Proof of Public Assistance - indicating assistance for the current year include: Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Assistance (SNAP); or other assistance from SRS, WIC food vouchers or free school lunches.  Insurance cards showing an effective date that is not the current year do not qualify.  

Step 2.Complete Application

  • Application is for Membership Scholarship, Dolphin Fund Scholarship and Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship.
  • Contact KanCare caseworker for appropriate paperwork

Step 3.Approval process

  • Allow seven working days to receive notification via United States Postal Service of approval or denial

Step 4.If approved, visit Merriam Community Center to process membership or enrollment

  • Recipient is required to pay balance of the program or class fees, arrange monthly payment installments for membership fees following normal registration procedures.

In Person

Step 1.Fill out application at Merriam Community Center.

Bring proof of: 

  1. Merriam residency - proper identification (valid driver's license, state issued identification, current utility bill (electric, gas or water), current city business license or Notice of Appraised Value issued by Johnson County Assessor's Office
  2. Public Assistance - proper documentation of current year assistance to include: Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Assistance (SNAP); or other assistance from SRS, WIC food vouchers or free school lunches.

Step 2.Return completed application by mail or in person.

Step 3.Approval process

  • Allow seven working days to receive notification via United States Postal Service of approval or denial

Step 4.If approved, visit Merriam Community Center to process membership or enrollment

  • Recipient is required to pay balance of the program or class fees, arrange monthly payment installments for membership fees following normal registration procedures.

 

Merriam Parks and Recreation Community Center Scholarship,  Dolphin Fund Scholarship & Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship

1. Proof of Merriam residency – proper identification to include a valid driver’s license, a state issued identification, current utility bill (electric, gas or water), current city business license or Notice of Appraised Value issued by the Johnson County Assessor’s Office.

2. Proof of public assistance – proper documentation of current year assistance to include: Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Food Assistance (SNAP); or other assistance from SRS, WIC food vouchers, or free school lunches.

3. Household is defined as two adults and up to four (4) dependent children as defined by IRS Qualifying Age Rule at the same address. Children 18 – 24 must provide proof of residency. The IRS Qualifying Age Rule per the IRS website .

4. Senior is defined as someone 60+ years of age.

5. Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship requires an active membership to the Merriam Community Center.

6.. Completion of appropriate application.

KanCare

1. Proof of KanCare member identification.

2. Provide appropriate paperwork from KanCare caseworker and a copy of member identification card.

3. Applied toward eligible youth classes.

 

1. No portion of the scholarships are transferable to another person, remaining balances are not carried forward into the next calendar year.

2. Age restrictions apply to KanCare, Dolphin Fund scholarships and FitClass Pass Scholarship.

3. Recipients must follow all Merriam Parks and Recreation Department rules, regulations, and policies. Failure to do so will result in revocation of scholarship and loss of privileges.

4. Scholarships do not apply to the purchase of class supplies.

5. Scholarship funds are provided from private and civic group donations, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

6. Recipients of Membership Scholarships will be responsible for $20 // month fee for annual household membership.

7. Recipients of Dolphin Fund Scholarships and Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship will be responsible for 20% of program fee.

8. Recipients of Senior FitClass Pass Scholarship must have an active membership to the Merriam Community Center.