Youth recreation fees in Hermiston will be reduced by 50 percent during the summer following a vote Monday night by the Hermiston City Council.
Early this month, the city was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation K-12 Summer Learning Fund. The money will allow the city to cut fees for youth programs during the upcoming summer recreation season. The city’s grant application, written by Brandon Artz, focused on swim lessons and water safety efforts offered by the Hermiston Parks & Recreation Department, but also included all of city’s youth programs.
“It will apply to any summer program, any of the camps for youth,” said Hermiston City Manager Byron Smith.
Councilor Roy Barron asked if the city had any other grant money to allow children with even greater financial needs to participate in programs free of charge. Smith said the city has scholarship programs available.
“I think it’s going to make a huge impact on our youth,” said Councilor Maria Durón. “Many haven’t had the opportunity to participate in some of the camps and a lot of the programs the city has to offer, so I think this is great.”
In the event the city does not use all of the funds this summer, it will be allowed to offer discounts for youth programs through the end of the current year. Otherwise, youth recreation fees will be reduced by 50 percent until the grant money is completely spent.
“This is one of the most exciting things I’ve seen in a long time here,” said Councilor Doug Primmer.
