Parks Department to Create Scholarship Program

The Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department will create a new scholarship program aimed at helping families with temporary or unique financial hardships, thanks to action taken by the city's park board Monday evening.

The program, named the We P.L.A.Y. Scholarships (Wentzville Providing Assistance for Youth), will cover the costs for all of the parks department's pre-registered programs; youth or family membership passes for any or all parks facilities; and programs offered and sponsored solely by the city.

The scholarship will not cover programs where pre-registration is not required, facility rentals or contractual and co-sponsored events.

The scholarships' value could range anywhere $2 to $120, depending on the program offered, said Recreation Superintendent Dottie Phillips. A majority of that money will be donated by the Friends of Wentzville Parks.

"We spoke to the Friends of Wentzville Parks about funding this and they were really excited about the possibilities," Director of Parks and Recreation Mary Jo Dessieux. "They really stepped up to the plate."

Friends of Wentzville Parks would also go into the public and seek out donations from individual residents, organizations and other entities. 

Applications will be reviewed and selected by a committtee composed of two board members along with Phillips and Director of Parks and Recreation Mary Jo Dessieux.

For more information on the scholarhip program, contact the parks department at 636-332-9236.