Underprivileged youth in the community have significantly more access to recreation programs thanks to Indian Trails Golf Tournament players, sponsors and volunteers. The recent two-person scramble event at the historic and refreshed 87-year-old Indian Trails Golf Course generated more than 20-thousand dollars for the Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund.
“We have an opportunity to provide even more scholarship dollars to even more youth in the city as a result of the proceeds received from the grand re opening of the Indian Trails golf course.”
That’s Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Director David Marquardt. This morning he presented the City Commission with a check for over 21-thousand dollars to fund the scholarships.
“So, every year we do offer scholarships to underprivileged youth to participate in any recreation programs that we offer. This money gives us an extra boost and allows us to broaden our reach within the city of Grand Rapids, which is remarkable.”
Marquardt says there’s an added bonus the additional funds bring and that is that they are also able to develop more offerings where there was no youth programming.
“For example, in Martin Luther King Park,Neighborhood, we’ve been working with neighborhood liasons in that area, to develop some new programming, some new dance classes, some new art programs and new swim programs to keep kids busy, keep them active during the summer months, which is important.”
Marquardt praised the sponsors, golfers and volunteers for making the event and donation possible.
He says parents who wish to take advantage of the recreation scholarships can…
They can either reach us by email, gr parks and rec. or call at 456 4000 and speak with any of parks and recreation staff and they can get them set up with an application.”
