The Coalition supports increased funding for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The nationally competitive program provides matching grants to support cities that have little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Following years of advocacy, in 2024, the EXPLORE Act, containing the historic Outdoors for All Act, became law. It is the first permanent federal legislation dedicated specifically to city parks and codified the ORLP program into law.
The ORLP grant program provides federal dollars directly to communities, enabling them to reconnect people with the outdoors through locally led park and recreation projects.
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.
Since 2014, the ORLP has supported 157 projects nationwide, investing $470 million and leveraging an additional $496 million in matching funds.
City parks aren’t just a nice-to-have amenity. They’re essential infrastructure. Parks play a vital role in the social, economic, and physical well-being of cities and their residents.
Parks are smart investments in our communities. They improve health and wellness, spur economic development and investments, and build climate resilience. High-quality city urban parks are at the center of strong neighborhoods and resilient cities.
