The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program is more than just a grant; it is a catalyst for transforming city parks into vital community infrastructure. Federal ORLP funding enables communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and foster connections between people and the outdoors. Projects funded through the program generate significant returns—supporting economic development, strengthening health and fitness, improving public safety, and enhancing disaster resilience for communities across the country.
In anticipation of the upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the ORLP, join the City Parks Alliance’s roundtable featuring National Park Service (NPS), Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) state liaison staff, and city leaders who have successfully secured these grants.
What You’ll Learn:
- An Overview of the ORLP Program
- Application Essentials: A step-by-step 101 for new applicants and a lessons learned refresher for those looking to improve previous submissions.
- Peer-to-Peer Insights: City leaders who have successfully secured awards share their strategies for high-impact proposals.
- Support Ecosystem: Information on technical assistance and resources available to help you build a more competitive, equity-focused application for your city.
- The NPS manages the ORLP, which is funded through the LWCF. The nationally competitive program provides matching grants to assist communities that have little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Past ORLP projects include:
- New and renovated recreation areas, playgrounds, and sports fields
- Open space for picnics, wildlife, and hiking in city neighborhoods
- Trails that connect communities and provide walking, biking, and hiking opportunities
- Land reclamation projects that clean up pollution and make areas usable for recreation
- Wetland acquisition and creek projects that beautify communities and provide stormwater benefits
