Transportation Assistance Now Available

November 01, 2018

Do you have a group that needs a ride? Transportation Fee Assistance is now available to groups visiting the parks for program or facility use. This funding is awarded through an application process based on need. This grant is not limited to program and group education reservations. Any group can apply for funding, regardless of how they plan to use the park facilities. Want to come to experience the playground? Go for a picnic? Attend an event? Chill on the beach? Access a program? Apply for a Transportation Fee Assistance to get your group to the parks!

The Park District has allocated $100,000 to be used through the spring of 2020. The goal of the grant is to connect people to the outdoors who may be new visitors and would otherwise be unable to visit the park. Recipients can come from anywhere in the region. Fee Assistance recipients will be awarded 100 percent of transportation costs. Funds are limited to three visits per group during the granting period. For schools, one grade level is equal to one group. To ensure that multiple grades at the same school can benefit from visiting a park, there is no limit to how many groups can apply from each school. We will manage requests on a case-by-case basis to help disperse the funding equitably across the region.

Here’s how it works:

  • Apply
    • Groups may apply independently using an online form.
    • Three Rivers staff who work closely with community partners may also complete the application form on behalf of a group and help them navigate the reservation process. 
    • Translation services are available.
  • Recipient Responsibilities
    • Each Fee Assistance recipient is responsible for arranging their own transportation with the service provider of their choice. They are then required to submit an invoice to Three Rivers for payment within two weeks following their trip.
    • If groups are not participating in programming, they must still connect with the reservations team to make appropriate shelter/facility reservations and arrange a drop-off permit: 763.559.6700. In many cases, reservations staff will be alerted of the group’s need to make a reservation or arrange a permit. They will reach out to recipients directly to offer reservation assistance within 24 hours of the alert.
    • Group Drop-Off Permit fees will be waived for Transportation Fee Assistance recipients who wish to utilize park amenities such as the beaches or play areas. Shelter/facility fees will not be waived.
  • Spread the Word
    • Please help us inform groups and community partners about this Transportation Fee Assistance opportunity. Direct people to the website and application form
    • Many groups who qualify for the Wonder Fund may also qualify for the Transportation Fee Assistance – together these two funds reduce barriers to experiencing the parks. Groups are encouraged to utilize both.