City of Columbus

The PLAY Scholarship Fund was created because the City of Columbus believes all kids deserve the chance to play regardless of ability to pay. Financially-challenged families with children 18 years and younger can apply for a PLAY Scholarship for any fee-based program offered through Columbus Recreation and Parks. If eligibility requirements are met, PLAY funds will assist with a portion of the cost of the program. See below for details.

PLAY funds will fund one class per session for each eligible participant up to a maximum of $ 40.00 depending on program. The applicant will be responsible for any fees above and beyond this amount and will need to be paid at the class site. This level of support is subject to change on an annual basis.

To support the PLAY Scholarship Fund, click here.

PLAY applications are available HERE, or at Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Centers. (Proof of Eligibility must be submitted with your application.)

PLAY For Summer Camps

PLAY will fund one week of Summer Camp for each eligible participant up to a maximum amount of $90.00. The applicant will be responsible for any fees above and beyond this amount and will need to be paid when registering. This level of support is subject to change in the future.

PLAY Summer Camp applications are available HERE or at any Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Centers. (Proof of Eligibility must be submitted with your application.) All regular recreation classes held during the Summer Session will be subjected to the $20.00 limitations, and this level of support may change in the future.

An approved PLAY application does not guarantee registration in a program. Applicants must still go through the site's specific registration process. Copies of the applications and proof of eligibility must be sent with the application. 

Applicants only need to meet one of the three methods to qualify. The completed PLAY application and proof of eligibility should be submitted when registering for a class.

• a copy of current Medicaid / Care Source Card/ Molina Card
• a copy of current EPPICard 
• a copy of the most recent federal income tax return scale based on HUD Section 8 Guidelines* (Chart Below)

*Gross adjusted Income must be less than, or equal to the amounts below to certify eligibility. The Gross Adjusted Income must be shown on the most recent Federal Income Tax Return.

The above Section 8 Guidelines (Housing and Urban Development) are effective as of April 24, 2019.

CRPD Fitness Camp

PLAY does not pay for CRPD Fitness Camp. Any additional fee balances beyond the specified maximum amount will be the responsibility of the applicant. 

For further information/questions regarding PLAY visit your closest Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Center or email [email protected].

Because all kids deserve a chance to PLAY!

Brian S. Casey Memorial Jr. Golf Membership
Columbus youth, 18 years old and younger, may annually apply for the Brian S. Casey Memorial Jr. Golf Membership. Applicants must still be enrolled in school and recipients of the membership will be given the opportunity to play (unlimited weekday golf and weekends 50% off) for one year at any of CRPD’s six municipal golf courses.

To apply, interested youth can submit the application found here and one letter of support from a coach, parent, guardian and/or community center manager to CRPD.  Applications must be mailed or dropped off to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 1111 E. Broad St., Suite 203, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, ATTN: Erika Shemberg and postmarked by Saturday, March 27, 2021.