Fee assistance

Fee assistance can be used for, but is not limited to, the following programs:  

• Camp Kota
• Summer Adventure Playgrounds
• Bloomington Family Aquatic Center season passes
• Skate School classes
• Garden plots
• And more

There are some programs where fee assistance cannot be used. If you have any questions, please call us at 952-563-8877.

Applications for 2024 are accepted and processed beginning January 8, 2024.

1. Complete a fee assistance program application and provide proof of financial need.
2. Return the completed application and any required paperwork to:
   • Bloomington Parks and Recreation
     1800 W. Old Shakopee Road
     Bloomington, MN 55431-3027
   • Fax: 952-563-8715
   • Email: parksrec@BloomingtonMN.gov

Paperwork needed for the application is as follows:

• Completed application
• Required financial documents       

Either ONE of the following:

List A

• Copy of your 2023 - 2024 eligibility notification letter from ISD271 Food Service Department if your child participates in the Free or Reduced Lunch Program.   
• Provide a copy of your 2023 federal tax returns, and copies of two months of income for your household. Income is based on gross pay.

Or TWO of the following (one from List B and one from List C):

List B

• County financial assistance (SNAP or Medical Assistance)
  • If aid is received from Hennepin County, please obtain verification of your monthly income. This information can be obtained by calling your Hennepin County financial worker.
• Income based Social Security (Disability or Supplemental; Retirement Social Security Benefits do not qualify)
  • If aid is received from Social Security, please obtain verification of financial status. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to request a printout.
• Pay stubs from past three months of income
• Bank statements showing three months of income source
• Child support income and alimony payments
• Unemployment statement

List C

• Dated letter of termination from employment
• Adopted or foster children documentation
• Letter from Guardian Ad Litem working with family
• Written letter explaining special financial circumstances

The Educational Benefits Letter from Bloomington Public Schools shows that your child is eligible for free or reduced lunch. To ask for a copy of your letter, call the Food Service Department at: 952-681-6570

For a paper copy of your letter, go to the Educational Services Center located at:

Oak Grove Middle School, 1350 W. 106th Street Door C, Bloomington, MN.

Yes. Everything you submit is confidential.

Only the essential staff will see your information.

We will respond to your application in writing within one week. The scholarship will be valid for the calendar year.

Please allow us this time to evaluate and process your paperwork.

The discount is valid only for the one calendar year in which your application has been accepted.

You must reapply every calendar year.

Once approved, each person on your application will receive a scholarship. 

• Each child under 18 will receive $200.
• Each adult 18 and over will receive $35.

You can use scholarships to pay for up to 50% of program costs.

Wait to register for programs until we confirm your fee assistance application is approved. Once approved, you will be able to use your scholarship(s) at checkout.

Click the links below for instructions to view and use your discount online at https://blm.mn/webtrac.

• How to Use Your Fee Assistance
• How to Check Your Fee Assistance Balance

You can use scholarships to pay for up to 50% of registration fees. You must pay the remainder.

You can't use one person's scholarship to pay for another person's registration.

You can't register if your account is delinquent (for example, a returned check). 
You must pay all debts to participate in Parks and Recreation programs.

You can't use Fee Assistance for certain contracted courses.