Scholarship Program

We are committed to providing quality recreational opportunities to all residents and have established a scholarship program to help make our programs more affordable for families with financial needs.


Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a Lenexa resident and be able to provide proof of residency (current utility bill or valid driver’s license).

  • You must meet and provide proof that you fall within the income eligibility guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as outlined below.

For full eligibility and other requirements, contact Isaac Heinen ([email protected]) to see the full Scholarship Policy.

Number of household members

 Maximum annual income
1

$26,973

2

$36,482

3

$45,991

4

$55,500

5

$65,009

6

$74,518

7

$84,027

8

$93,536
  


Types of scholarships

We have two types of scholarships available to Lenexa residents who have a demonstrated need. You may apply for either scholarship, but you cannot receive both types of scholarships within the same year. The amount of the scholarship provided to each family is based upon which level you qualify for through the USDA’s free and reduced lunch meals program. All scholarships require you to make a co-payment.

USDA program guidelines

 Scholarship amount Co-payment amount 
Reduced price meals
(130% to 180% of poverty level)

50% of advertised fee

50% of advertised fee 

Free meals
(at or below 130% of poverty level)

75% of advertised fee 25% of advertised fee

In order to distribute and maximize our scholarship program funds, we require you to meet usage guidelines (listed below). If you do not meet those usage guidelines, we may revoke the scholarship, and you will not be eligible to reapply for another scholarship for the remainder of the year.

Lenexa Rec Center Core Pass Scholarship

You may receive a scholarship for a portion of the monthly cost of a Lenexa Rec Center Core Pass membership (X Pass memberships are not available through the scholarship program). In order to remain eligible for this scholarship, each person on the membership must use the facility at least 48 times during a six-month period.

Membership types and monthly co-payments required are listed below:

Membership type

50% monthly
co-payment
25% monthly
co-payment
Adult (18-59)

$22.50

$11.25

Youth (12-17)

$17.50 $8.75

Senior (60+)

$20 $10

Household
(up to 5 people)

$37  $18.50

Plus 1

$10.50 $5.25

Outdoor pool membership and/or Parks & Recreation Department Program Scholarship

You may receive a scholarship towards an outdoor pool membership or other parks & recreation programs up to a maximum amount of $500 per family/$200 per person annually.

  • In order to remain eligible for the outdoor pool membership, each person on the membership must use the facilities at least 24 times during the summer season.

  • In order to remain eligible for the program scholarship, each person enrolled must attend a minimum of 75% of the program session dates.

Membership types and one-time co-payments are as follows:

Outdoor pool membership

Membership type

50% co-payment 25% co-payment
Individual

$32.50

$15

Household
(Up to 5 people)

$60 $30

Senior (60+)

$16.50 $8.25

Parks & Recreation programs and activities

  • If you qualify for the reduced meals program, you will pay 50% of the advertised program fee.

  • If you qualify for the free meals program, you will pay 25% of the advertised program fee.


Apply for a scholarship

By email

Fill out the application and email it to Isaac Heinen, [email protected]. Send any supporting documents via email.

Scholarship Application (PDF)

In person

Visit the Parks & Rec desk at the Lenexa Rec Center (17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

You can either fill out a copy of the application in advance or do it in person. Provide hard copies of supporting documents or submit them via email to Isaac Heinen, [email protected].

Supporting documents

To apply for our scholarship program, you will be asked to submit some or all of the following:

  • Proof of residency (valid driver’s license or copy of recent utility bill)

  • A copy of your most recent federal income tax return or copies of the last two paychecks for each job held in your household

  • A letter from your employer stating your earnings

  • A letter from your social/case worker indicating the amount of any benefits you are receiving

  • Other supporting documentation requested by our staff.


Make a donation

Make a tax-deductible donation to the Lenexa Parks & Recreation Scholarship Program to help other residents access quality recreational opportunities in our community. Your gift will allow children to participate in life-enriching activities like dance class, karate, day camps and more. The scholarship program also assists in covering costs for families to use the Lenexa Rec Center to build healthy lifestyles.

Donate Now

Testimonials from scholarship recipients

Kimberly

"When I first learned about the possibility of having the scholarship I was excited! I have lived in Lenexa for many, many years and never was able to get a membership because it just was not affordable for my budget. After Mandy informed me that I was approved I was sooo happy. My favorite part of having the Rec Center membership is that now my daughters and I could enjoy all the amenities for a reduced rate that I could handle financially. I have struggled with some health issues physically over the past couple years. Having the opportunity to work out and get healthy has helped those health issues improve. I enjoy seeing the welcoming staff and having like-minded individuals around me when I visit the Rec Center. Thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity."  

Rosetta 

"Having the scholarship has impacted my family in a great way! Through the use of this scholarship I was able to implement it as a reward system with my kids! Whenever they reached a goal or milestone in school and at home we celebrated by coming to swim at the Rec Center! This kept my kids on task and in shape because not only did they keep their minds active their bodies as well! My kids really enjoy swimming so this was the perfect reward! My favorite part of having the membership is being able to have fun moments with my kids that allows us to just spend time with one another without breaking the bank! They always enjoy coming to the Rec Center so much that we have even celebrated birthdays here as well!!!"


Contact information

If you have questions about the scholarship program, please contact Isaac Heinen at 913.477.7110 or [email protected].