ParkTalk Blog – Fee Assistance Program: The Impact of Recreation

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

As our mission states, the Naperville Park District provides recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community. However, the Park District recognizes the reality that there are residents who experience financial hardships and don’t have the flexibility of discretionary funds to use for things like Park District programs. For decades, the Park District has supported residents in need through the Fee Assistance Program – an initiative designed to make Naperville Park District programs and facilities more accessible. The Naperville Park District recognizes the importance of recreation, and the health and wellness benefits it provides, and the Fee Assistance Program gives residents the opportunity to enjoy recreation programs many people take for granted.

Program History and Purpose

The Fee Assistance Program was first established in 1974, and it looked much different than today. At the August 15, 1974 Park Board meeting, the Board of Commissioners at the time adopted a scholarship program where senior citizens who couldn’t pay program fees would receive support from the District. Over time, the program grew to include residents of all ages in an effort to broadly support the recreational needs of the community. Over the years, the Fee Assistance Program has expanded and contracted based on broader economic challenges. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s use shrunk significantly due to the fact that many Park District programs were not being offered. However, those anomalies aside, since its inception, the Fee Assistance Program has supported thousands of Naperville residents. Each Program Guide season, residents who qualify can receive up to a maximum amount of $100 per season to cover costs of programs, fitness classes, and even Centennial Beach memberships.

While Naperville is viewed as an economically thriving suburb, according to U.S. Census State Estimates, approximately 4.36% of Naperville residents live at or below the poverty line. Additionally, around 16% of students in Naperville School Districts 203 and 204 receive public aid to help cover costs of essentials like food and housing. These statistics underscore the importance and potential impact of the Fee Assistance Program.

The Importance of Recreation

Recreational programs can impact individuals and communities in a variety of ways. First and foremost, programs that take place outdoors, such as athletics or environmental programs, provide opportunities for engaging, physical activity. Being active on a regular basis is important for anyone, but children can especially benefit. Research from the Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) indicates that children are more creative, energized and cognitively stimulated with regular recreation, which can lead to improved emotional health and better performance in school.

In addition to the physical and emotional benefits, participants benefit socially as well. Parks and recreation opportunities are a great environment in which to connect with fellow residents and make new friends. When a group of individuals with common interests or similar goals participate in an activity together, they can form a smaller, more personal community within the activity. Feeling belonging within a community can foster new friendships and provide a sense of support, leading to improved mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Community Support

The Fee Assistance Program is supported by generous donations from local organizations and individuals throughout the community. Last year, $41,656 funded the Fee Assistance Program, and donations help offset some of the associated costs. Over the past five years, over $150,000 has been used to support 725 applicants.

In 2024, Naperville Bank & Trust (a Wintrust Community Bank) became the presenting sponsor of the Naperville Park District’s Fee Assistance Program. As part of a 5-year partnership agreement, NB&T donates $10,000 annually to support the program. NB&T’s involvement with the Fee Assistance Program aligns with their organization’s values to give back to the community and assist those in need. Their generosity has helped the Naperville Park District emphasize their mission to provide high-quality recreational experiences communitywide.

If you are interested in donating to the Fee Assistance Program, or would like to learn more, visit napervilleparks.org/feeassistanceprogram.