Charles County, MD — The Charles County Board of Commissioners is looking at ways to provide assistance for senior citizens and low-income residents to allow them to use county recreation programs.
The Board of Commissioners were briefed by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism on two options for providing recreation financial assistance to senior citizens and low-income residents.
One of the options offered included providing an annual RecPASS only to senior citizens and low-income residents for daily admissions to community centers and the pool. This program is estimated to cost $100,000 and serve 1,000 eligible residents.
Another option involved providing RecAssist. Low-income households of all ages would be eligible. RecAssist would include an annual RecPASS and $150 credit to be used for recreation programs for low-income residents of all ages. Participants would pay a minimum 20% copay to participate in programs.
RecPASS currently costs $250 for adults for a combined recreation an pool pass. Kids and Seniors pay $150.
The annual membership allows for unlimited visits to any drop-in programs at school-based community centers, the Port Tobacco Recreation Center, and Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center. A pool membership may be added for unlimited use of Charles County Recreation Division operated aquatic facilities. Other programs and classes have additional fees.
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism estimated it would cost about $100,000 to provide assistance for 400 eligible residents.
Commissioners provided consensus to support the RecAssist program.