The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program is a competitive grant initiative under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act, designed to improve outdoor recreation opportunities in underserved urban areas. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the program supports the creation, enhancement, and conservation of outdoor recreational spaces, aiming to provide equitable access to parks and natural areas for communities with limited recreational opportunities. The ORLP grants help communities establish new parks, renovate existing outdoor spaces, and connect people with the outdoors, thereby fostering healthier and more engaged communities.

Funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), ORLP provides matching grants that cover up to 50% of the total project cost. The funding can be used for acquiring land, developing new public parks, or making substantial renovations to existing outdoor recreational spaces. Eligible projects include the development of community parks, trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities, as well as supporting infrastructure such as restrooms and visitor contact stations. However, most indoor recreational structures, such as nature centers and community centers, are not eligible for funding.

Funding availability is contingent on congressional appropriations, with anticipated awards ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000 per project. The specific amount awarded depends on the applications received and the available funding for each fiscal year. The next five years of ORLP competitive grants will be determined by future congressional budget allocations.

Only State Lead Agencies designated by the governor or state legislation can submit applications for ORLP grants. In Texas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is the designated State Lead Agency and may submit applications on behalf of itself or eligible sub-recipients. Eligible sub-recipients include state agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native Corporations (ANC), Alaska Native Organizations (ANO), Native Hawaiian Communities, and local government entities or special purpose districts that meet specific legislative and operational requirements. Additionally, project sites must be located in census tracts with populations of at least 25,000 and in underserved communities as defined by federal environmental and economic screening tools.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Recreation Grants Online Grant Management System (RGO). The application process includes a mandatory eligibility review scheduled with Local Park staff before submission. The FY25 grant cycle includes key deadlines such as the eligibility review deadline on April 1, TPWD’s internal application deadline on April 15, and final submission to NPS by June 1, 2025. NPS is expected to announce selected projects by September 1, 2025, with final award decisions anticipated in February 2026.

ORLP grants are subject to perpetual public recreation use requirements. Any park or site that receives funding must remain accessible to the public for outdoor recreation indefinitely, ensuring long-term benefits to the community. Additional resources, including NOFO documents and technical assistance webinars, are available to assist applicants in navigating the application process and understanding program requirements.