Recreation Scholarship Eligibility and Guidelines

Salida Recreation Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Households that meet the requirements listed below are eligible for up to $150 in assistance per individual per year (all scholarships expire on December 31). The scholarship fund may be applied towards activities and programming such as Camp Friday, swim lessons, league participation, and/or Salida Hot Springs Aquatics Center Daily Admission, Memberships, and Access Passes.

Who Qualifies?

Individuals and households must provide proof of participation in any need-based assistance program provided by the federal or state government to qualify for the Salida Recreation Scholarship. Please provide proof of participation in one of the programs listed below. Applications without proof will not be considered.

Some examples of these programs include:

• Free and reduced lunch program
• Federal food stamps
• Supplemental Social Security Income (S.S.I.) or S.S.D.
• W.I.C. Recipients
• Section 8 or Public Housing
• Medicaid Recipients
• Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) SNAP (EBT cards)
• Aid to the Needy and Disabled (AND)
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
• Foster care
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Medicare Savings Program
• Old Age Pension (OAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Other need-based assistance programs

How to Apply

Please fill out the Salida Recreation Scholarship application and return it to Salida Recreation Supervisor. Applications may be dropped off or mailed to the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center (410 W. Hwy 50, Salida, CO 81201).

Only one application is necessary per family. Applications can also be emailed to SalidaRaces@cityofsalida.com.

Other Important Information

• Participants must be residents of Chaffee County and provide proof at the time of submission or attached to this application. 
  • Matching name to valid ID on a computer-generated bill (utility, credit card, doctor’s bill)
  • Bank statement
  • Paystub
  • Insurance policy
  • Motor vehicle record
  • USPS change of address form
  • A letter from a not-for-profit agency on letterhead including legal representative's name
• Provide proof of participation in one of the need-based assistance programs listed above. Attach proof to the application. Applications without proof will not be considered.
• Scholarships can be applied to any Salida Recreation or Hot Springs Aquatic Center activity, program, event, punch pass, membership, or daily admission. Scholarships may not be applied to park rentals or point of sale items.
• Scholarships may not exceed $150 per person per calendar year, and do not rollover.
• Scholarship awards do not constitute enrollment in a program. You must register for any programs separately once approved.
• Please apply for the scholarship at least one week prior to the beginning of the desired program if possible. Exceptions will be made, but scholarships are not retroactive.

Confidentiality 

Salida Recreation will use the information on the application only to decide if you qualify to receive a scholarship for eligible activities. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

Applicants are guaranteed that personal finances will not be discussed outside of the department management. Coaches, instructors, or program leaders will not be informed of a participant’s financial or scholarship status.