Program Guidelines

The Let them PLAY Scholarship program will be developed to provide financial assistance to patrons that wish to attend programs put on by the Recreation and Parks department that typically could not afford to attend.

The committee has developed the following guidelines to govern this program:

• Residency
  • City Residents are eligible for 100% scholarship of a program fee.
  • Marion County Residents with Ocala Electric Utility service are eligible for 75% scholarship of a program fee.
  • All other Marion County Residents are eligible for 50% scholarship of a program fee.
• Annual Cap – $200 per household, per year.
• Financial Circumstances – Patrons will be given an opportunity to provide a narrative on what financial circumstances have taken place within their lives that prevents them from financially planning to attend a program.
• Exclusions – The following items are not eligible for the scholarship program:
  • Admissions – Discovery Center, Aquatic Centers, or Special Events.
  • Rentals – Including pavilions, facilities, sports fields/courts and equipment.
  • Specialty Programs – Discovery Center Birthday Parties, Group or School Field Trips and Athletic Team Fees.
  • Memberships or Pool Passes.

Work to PLAY Scholarship Program

The “Work to PLAY” scholarship program will offer our patrons a way to give back to Recreation and Parks in exchange for a 50% scholarship of a program fee. Many parents/guardians are willing and able to volunteer during a time of financial need and are more than willing to so, this program will provide them with this option. This program will also be helpful and beneficial to larger families that will use the Let them PLAY annual funding faster than most, by still providing a small financial reprieve.

The committee has developed the following guidelines to govern this program:

• Funding – Regardless of residency, patrons will be able to receive a 50% scholarship on a program fee, in return they will volunteer for Recreation and Parks one hour for every $10 that is provided (i.e. $100 Program Fee – 50% scholarship = Patron owes $50 and 5 hours of volunteer service).
• Annual Cap - $200 per household, per year (this is an additional $200 to Let them PLAY) Let them PLAY! Scholarship Fund Recreation and Parks Department Version 03.2024
• Financial Circumstances – Patrons will be given an opportunity to provide a narrative on what financial circumstances have taken place within their lives that prevents them from financially planning to attend a program.
• Exclusions – The following items are not eligible for the scholarship program:
  • Admissions – Discovery Center, Aquatic Centers, Ice Rink or Special Events.
  • Rentals – Including pavilions, facilities, sports fields/courts and equipment.
  • Specialty Programs – Discovery Center Birthday Parties, Group or School Field Trips and Athletic Team Fees.
  • Memberships or Pool Passes 

Application and Approval Process 

Patrons will complete an application for each scholarship request. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. If an application for a scholarship is denied for any reason, the patron will be notified by the program supervisor in writing.

Approval Process

Applications will be routed through an internal review process after it is received. The application will be reviewed the program supervisor first to ensure there is adequate space in the program and check with the Administrative Supervisor to ensure funding is available. The Supervisor will then forward to the Division Head who will approve or deny and forward to the Director or designee for final approval.

Scholarship availability is based on available funds. ALL information must be filled in or the application will be returned unaccepted. If you are applying for multiple scholarships, a separate application is required for each participant and for each program. Return completed application to: Ocala Recreation and Parks, 828 NE 8th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 or email to: recpark@ocalafl.gov 

Let them PLAY Application