First – and only – permanent and dedicated urban parks bill ensures more Americans will have access to safe, quality parks.
On December 19, 2024, Congress passed the EXPLORE Act which contains the first – and only – dedicated and permanent city park legislation. The EXPLORE Act includes the Outdoors for All Act which codifies the National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program. The ORLP provides grants to cities for park projects in disadvantaged communities.
“One of the biggest inequities facing urban America today is the lack of quality parks in underserved communities. We are thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act which includes the first dedicated city parks program. The EXPLORE Act will help expand outdoor recreation access, provide job opportunities, and engage and empower youth in the communities that are most in need. Expanding access to city parks builds more resilient and equitable communities,” stated City Parks Alliance Executive Director Catherine Nagel.
Established in 2014, the ORLP is a nationally competitive grant program funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The ORLP provides outdoor recreation funds for disadvantaged communities. The National Park Service awards fund land acquisition, new park development, or the renovation of existing parks, all with the goal of reconnecting people with the outdoors. The National Park Service has awarded more than 160 projects nationwide since the program began.
“As chair of City Parks Alliance’s Mayors for Parks Coalition and Mayor of the fastest growing large city in the country, I applaud Congress for passing the EXPLORE Act. This is an exciting moment in park history. Parks and green spaces provide health, economic, and environmental benefits, and every family in every community deserves access to quality parks and open space. Over many years, City Parks Alliance and the Mayors for Parks Coalition have been advocating for dedicated federal investment in city parks, and we thank Congress for addressing this need,” stated Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.
“City Parks Alliance and the Mayors for Parks Coalition applaud Senators Alex Padilla and Susan Collins, and Representatives Nanette Barragán and Mike Turner for introducing the Outdoors for All Act and thank them for their continued work throughout the years advocating for this important piece of legislation,” stated Catherine Nagel.
