4 minute read
From the Director
Meet
LEANN WILLIAMS
Recreation Director
With more than 20 years of experience working in the field of sports and recreation, LeAnn is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive who is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community through reacreation. LeAnn began her role as the Fort Collins Recreation Director in February 2022.
"What I love most about Recreation is the opportunity we have every day to enrich people's lives through the programs and services we offer. I am passionate about helping people build community and live well."
Welcome to the Summer 2022 edition of the Recreator.
Our department offers a vast variety of recreational and leisure programs for all ages. With hundreds of programs, classes, and services at 10 different facilities, we have something for everyone.
Our team is proud of the positive impact we have on the Fort Collins Community. We have been there to support you, our community, as you have endured the impacts of the pandemic. We are still here and returning to a full slate of programs and services. There is no better time than now to reengage with us by jumping in and signing up - you won’t regret it!
We strive daily to remove barriers of participation in programs and services. Whether that be an accommodation, specialized program through adaptive recreation, or the reduced fee program, we want you to feel a sense of belonging. Something new to get our youth and families out is the Youth PlayPass. Please visit page 73 to learn more. We are offering a limited number of passes this summer so buy yours today!
We feel a responsibility to inspire people to learn why a quality parks and recreation system is fundamental to youth development, active living, building community and economic development. Most of all, we want to inspire you to get out and enjoy the opportunities we offer.
Credits
City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Board
Catherine Carabetta, Ken Christensen, Bob Kingsbury, Michael Novell, Jesse Scaccia, Michael Tupa
Recreation Director
LeAnn Williams
Parks Director
Mike Calhoon
Recreation Managers
Aaron Harris Marc Rademacher
Golf Manager
Scott Phelps
Forestry Manager
Kenda Boot
Parks Manager
Rob Crabb
Community Relations & Marketing
Emily Frare Kathryn Gehrke Valerie Van Ryn
Cover Design & Pagination
Tina Chandler
Contact Information
City of Fort Collins Recreation Department 215 N. Mason St. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Registration & Programs 970.221.6655 recreation@fcgov.com Advertising, Partnerships, & Sponsorships recreator@fcgov.com LeAnn Williams Recreation Director 970.416.2225 lewilliams@fcgov.com For subscription information, please visit fcgov.com/recreator.
City of Fort Collins
Vision
To provide world-class municipal services through operational excellence and a culture of innovation.
Mission
Exceptional service for an exceptional community.
GET TO KNOW YOUR RECREATION REDUCED FEE PROGRAM
by Jesse Scaccia,
Parks & Recreation Board Member
Created in the early 90’s and re-envisioned in 2018, the Recreation Reduced Fee Program is one the City’s most durable and utilized programs available to low-income residents. That’s according to the City of Fort Collins’ own Nina Bodenhamer, who administers the program. Bodenhamer provided answers to a few questions about the Reduced Fee Program and how the Recreation Department works to ensure the entire community has access to the amazing facilities and recreation opportunities.
What is your advice for someone who has never applied for reduced recreation fees before? The Reduced Fee Recreation Pass is an incredible gateway to programs and classes across the City for financially insecure residents of all ages. Once a family and/or resident is approved and purchases a discounted pass, using it is as easy as registering for a class because all discounts are automatically applied. It’s a simple, respectful process to encourage participation but not require unique documentation every time a participant wants to utilize the discount and sign up for a class.
How have you seen the Reduced Fee Program impact lives in Fort Collins in a positive way? More than 80% of participants in the Reduced Fee program are families registering for programs including everything from after school care to swim lessons. An average of over 5,000 participants enroll each year. While I don't have any quotes or anecdotes, the utilization tells a powerful story. Families are seeking financial support to ensure their children have robust opportunities to recreate!
Where is the best source of info about the program? The best resource to learn about the Reduced Fee Program and the application process is online at fcgov.com/ReducedFee. All it takes is an application and as little as one piece of supporting documentation, which can include a Poudre School District Free or Reduced lunch letter from the current school year, proof of current State or Federal Assistance, including but not limited to Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI. Once you complete the application and gather your supporting documents, you will need to bring your application to one of these Recreation facilities: Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC), Foothills Activity Center, Fort Collins Senior Center, Mulberry Pool, or Northside Aztlan Community Center. Recreation staff will then check your application materials to ensure you have all of the proper information. Once your application has been submitted, processing will take approximately 7-10 business days. Don’t let financials get in the way of your fitness! The reduced fee program is here to help you and your family.
