The Skokie Park District is committed to providing recreation services to all residents of Skokie who wish to participate in programs. If families or individuals are in financial difficulty, a fee assistance program has been established for Skokie Park District residents. A resident who cannot, or whose family cannot, reasonably afford a program fee because of financial difficulties can apply for Fee Assistance.
Important Information
- Only residents of the Skokie Park District taxing district (60076, 60077, and 60203) are eligible to apply. Current proof of residency is required and must be provided at time of registration.
- Any resident, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, civil union, marital status or disability can apply for Fee Assistance.
- Please register and pay for the activity/program before you apply for Fee Assistance to guarantee your spot.
- To secure a spot for your child(ren) in a camp, a $20 or $50 deposit for each section will be due at the time of registration. Deposits are accepted until 10 days before camp billing begins.
- Fee Assistance is provided on a sliding scale and will not be greater than 50%.
- All information is confidential and will only be used to determine eligibility for Fee Assistance.
- All Fee Assistance documents should be submitted through the Fee Assistance webpage portal under “How to Apply”.
- Requests for retroactive Fee Assistance will not be honored.
- Request for Fee Assistance must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the beginning of an activity/program/camp. Allow at least two weeks (or longer during peak times) for review of application and determination.
- A determination letter will be sent to you by email.
- If you receive IDHS (Illinois Action for Children) you DO NOT qualify for Skokie Park District’s Fee Assistance program.
- Periodically, the Skokie Park District may adopt revised standards based upon criteria as approved by the Board of Park Commissioners.
- Click here for Statement of Purpose for Collection of Social Security Numbers by the Skokie Park District.
How to Apply?
- Fully complete and submit the following items:
- Fee Assistance Application (all sections complete, signed, and dated)
- Include financial documentations for ALL ADULTS living in your household
Documentation Example(s):
- Federal Tax 1040 Form(s) W2s and all supporting schedules
- Social Security eligibility letter(s)
- Unemployment
- Cash, SNAP and Medical Assistance Benefit letter
- Child support payments
Eligibility Guidelines
The following Fee Assistance eligibility guidelines are based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services federal poverty levels and will be updated annually when the data is released.
Fee Assistance is currently requiring financial documents from the 2023 tax year.
Tax Year 2023
Tax Year 2024
Questions and More Information
Skokie Park District Fee Assistance Coordinator: Lisa Hanley
Other Potential Financial Assistance Programs & Resources
Niles Township Government
Struggling to pay for your child's daycare, preschool, or camp? Niles Township has expanded the income requirements to qualify for financial assistance, so that more families can access high quality care. Please complete an application today to see if you qualify for help.
The Angelo Militello DCFS Emergency Fund
LAN 41 received a DCFS grant in 2020 to distribute emergency wraparound funds to support Niles Township’s children and families who are unable to access resources from other agencies. These immediate needs may include funds for childcare, after school programs, summer camps, back-to-school supplies or clothing, and emergency payment of bills.
All Skokie Park District programs are eligible for Fee Assistance unless specified below:
Programs and Services eligible for a maximum of 25% reduction:
- Devonshire Preschool
- Scoutin’ Around Homeschool Program
- Contractual programs and camps
Examples include (but not limited to):
- Lego Camps
- Shotokan Karate
- Hot Shots Sports classes and camps
Programs and Services NOT eligible for Fee Assistance:
- Tot Learning Center
- Fitness First services (massage, personal training, etc.)
- Sports Park (driving range, batting cages, miniature golf, and private lessons)
- Exploritorium (admissions and birthday party rentals)
- Trips
- Special Events
- Growing Sprouts (early childhood nature education program)
- Rentals (birthday parties, room rentals, etc.)
- Ticket sales
- Outdoor Challenge Camp
- Urban Adventure Camp
- Skatium (admissions, skate rental, and practice ice)
- Private music lessons
- Pooch Park membership