Title
Request from staff to approve 2023 Qualifying Discounts Program pilot
Body
The Qualifying Discounts Program (QDP) is a pilot program that aims to reduce financial barriers for City of Madison residents and user groups that access parks, open spaces, and participate in recreational opportunities. If our standard fees present a financial barrier to athletic field reservation fees, individuals may be eligible for the QDP. The QDP provides up to 70% off the standard rates. An applicant’s discounted rate is based on their program's alignment with benchmarks that support Madison Parks' priorities and balance park and open space use.
The QDP seeks to:
• Reduce administrative time for creating individualized Fee Modification agreements
• Redistribute fees to balance city needs
• Create transparency for groups with an easily accessible and public discounts program
• Increase the use of underutilized park spaces and access from underrepresented groups.
• Reduce conflicts between parks staff, the public, and user various groups.
Parks staff have been working with various community stakeholders since March 2022 to develop the QDP and would like to pilot the program with 4 athletic user groups this year.