Financial Assistance

Clarksville Parks and Recreation shall proactively extend programs and services to residents who may be underserved in the community. To encourage participation in parks and recreation programs and services, the Department has created this policy to address financial barriers that may limit access to some of our residents. The City of Clarksville provides a variety of free and/or reasonably priced programs and activities. 

scope

A fee waiver is available to qualifying City of Clarksville households for most fee-based programs and services and is subject to availability within each specific program or service. This policy does not apply to concessions, ticketed events, retail merchandise, or golf course fees. 

criteria

This financial assistance is only available to residents who reside within the corporate city limits of Clarksville.  Proof of residency is required. (i.e.  Voter’s registration card, current driver’s license, or other photo identification issued by a governmental entity or utility bills in the head of household’s name). If you are without permanent housing, please provide a letter from an assisting agency; United Way, YPAKS, Housing and Community Development, etc.

Assistance will only be granted for activities solely sponsored by the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department.  Reductions are not provided for activities where primary costs are contractual, (e.g. Field trips or tours, specialty summer camps, iStroll, Scuba, etc.) The instructors in these programs are paid on a per-person or percentage of fees collected basis. 

Financial assistance for activities is allowed only after the minimum number of registrants required to meet revenue requirements are met, provided space is available in the session when the assistance is requested.  Requests for financial assistance must be approved prior to registration and is limited to one program per individual, per fiscal year. Refunds will not be provided to individuals who meet requirements after registration has been paid in full. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to funding approved by the City Council each fiscal year. Financial aid recipients may be withdrawn from the program and become ineligible for future assistance due to “no showing” and/or excessive absences. 

To qualify for financial assistance, qualifying households' income shall not exceed current Section 8 Income Limits for Very Low Income as assigned to Montgomery County, TN.  Proof of income is required. (i.e. - tax return, government assistance confirmation, SNAP, WIC Card, or another official record of the household’s income). 

Family Size /Annual Household Income Thresholds  

  • 1/$22,200 
  • 2 /$25,400
  • 3 /$28,550
  • 4 /$31,700 
  • 5 /$34,250
  • 6 /$36,800
  • 7 /$39,350 
  • 8 /$41,850

For each additional family member add $4,720

In an effort to reach those most in need, and to provide enriching activities to the children of those who are currently in desperate situations, the Department may partner with local organizations to provide passes to select Parks and Recreation amenities, free of charge. The passes would be granted to those 18 and under.

As of January 1, 2021, recreation center memberships are free of charge for anyone 18 and under or 65 and older.

procedure

  1. The applicant will complete and submit the Financial Assistance Application Form #01-041A, proof of residency, and proof of income to the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department at least fourteen (14) days before the close of registration.  Applications may be completed in person or online.  Supporting documentation must be uploaded on the form, provided via email to parksrec@cityofclarksville.com, or in person at 102 Public Square, Clarksville, TN 37040. Your application will be reviewed and remain confidential. 
  2. Applicants who submit a timely and complete application will be notified of a decision regarding their application at least five (5) days before the close of registration. Failure of the Department to render a decision in a timely manner shall not give rise to any liability therefore on the part of the City.
  3. Once approved, the financial aid discount is applied to the qualifying applicant's recreation account allowing them to register online. 
  4. Qualifying applicants' aid expires after 365 days.  Financial Aid recipients must reapply annually

application form