The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program is a nationally competitive grant initiative established by Congress in 2012 and administered by the National Park Service through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program. It is designed to support urban communities with populations of at least 30,000, prioritizing economically disadvantaged areas that lack outdoor recreation opportunities. The program focuses on expanding access to outdoor spaces in underserved urban areas through the development, acquisition, and substantial renovation of public parks and recreational facilities.
The ORLP Program aims to address outdoor recreation deficits by funding projects that either create new recreational spaces, significantly renovate outdated facilities, or strengthen connections between people and outdoor environments. The funding is specifically targeted toward areas that are densely populated and economically under-resourced, ensuring that those most in need of outdoor recreational infrastructure benefit from the support. Projects may include parks, greenways, playgrounds, and similar public outdoor recreation areas.
For the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 cycle, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced that the application period ran from January 29, 2024, to February 29, 2024. The application package and submission information were detailed in the official Federal Round 7 ORLP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Additionally, FDEP offered an application webinar held on January 26, 2024, and provided related materials, such as a workshop presentation and a forthcoming Q&A. Technical assistance was also available through the Trust for Public Land’s ORLP Toolkit, which provides step-by-step guidance for local governments.
Eligible applicants must represent jurisdictions with populations over 30,000 and meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged and lacking in recreational resources. While the NOFO outlines the specific application materials required, further information on eligibility, evaluation, and documentation can be found in the official program documents and the Trust for Public Land toolkit. Funding may be used solely for outdoor recreation purposes as defined by the LWCF.
For additional information or to request support, interested parties can contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000. Email inquiries can be directed to Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov or by phone at 850-245-2118.
Use the Trust for Public Land Technical Assistance Toolkit; attend webinars and review Q&A and workshop presentation materials for guidance
