The federal government has announced a historic investment to revitalize local parks across 24 states.
The Department of Interior recently announced a record-breaking investment of $254.68 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP). This investment is the largest grant allocation in the program’s history. These funds will be directed towards 54 projects in 24 states, including Maryland, focusing on developing or creating local parks. This investment aligns with the America the Beautiful Initiative, a nationwide conservation and restoration effort designed to tackle the nature and climate crises, promote equitable access to outdoor spaces, and support local economies.
From the press release:
“Everyone deserves to experience the restorative power of nature, but increasing access to public outdoor spaces has not always received the investment and drive needed to make an impact. Supporting the communities that benefit from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program has been a top priority for our Administration, and a critical step to bringing more green spaces to urban and disadvantaged communities,” said US Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
The ORLP program, established in 2014, provides matching grants for park projects in urban areas with populations over 30,000. The program supports communities often underserved and lacking access to recreational spaces. Additionally, the program offers up to 50% of project costs through competitive grants. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the ORLP aims to bridge gaps in outdoor access and foster community connection.
This latest investment underscores the commitment to creating and preserving green spaces for all Americans.
