Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

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. It operates under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, and its core mission is to address the outdoor recreation needs of underserved urban communities. By targeting cities and densely populated urbanized areas with populations of at least 30,000, the ORLP prioritizes areas that are economically disadvantaged and lack sufficient outdoor recreation infrastructure. The program aims to create new recreational spaces, revitalize existing parks, and enhance access to outdoor environments, fostering equitable and inclusive community engagement with nature. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees the ORLP at the state level, coordinating with local jurisdictions to facilitate funding distribution and technical support. The DEP’s vision aligns with the ORLP goals by promoting strong community partnerships and enhancing Florida’s natural ecosystems through responsible recreational development. Projects funded through the ORLP must serve the public and focus on the acquisition, development, or substantial renovation of public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Projects may involve creating entirely new green spaces, upgrading obsolete facilities, or improving access and connectivity to existing outdoor environments. To ensure equitable distribution and effective use of resources, the ORLP emphasizes investments in communities that have historically lacked access to recreational opportunities. The funding supports a wide range of development types, including trails, sports fields, community gardens, playgrounds, and open space restoration. The program encourages innovative proposals that not only improve physical infrastructure but also enhance the overall quality of life and promote environmental stewardship in urban settings. For the FY2026–2027 grant cycle, interested applicants must attend the application webinar scheduled for April 1, 2026, as a part of the technical assistance process. The formal submission window for grant applications runs from May 1 to June 1, 2026. All application components must be completed and submitted within this timeframe. Suggested preparatory resources include the Trust for Public Land’s Technical Assistance Toolkit, which provides step-by-step guidance for local governments applying to the ORLP program. Key documents such as the Federal Round 7 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provide detailed instructions for assembling application materials and understanding the review process. The grant application process includes an evaluation of project readiness, community impact, and alignment with ORLP objectives. Although the program does not list specific scoring criteria within this summary, it encourages projects that demonstrate a strong need, potential for broad public use, and long-term sustainability. Contact information for assistance is provided by the Florida DEP, which manages communications through its general inbox ([email protected]) and central office located in Tallahassee, Florida. Questions about eligibility, project scope, or submission procedures should be directed there. Based on the most recent update on August 11, 2025, the ORLP maintains a consistent multi-year cycle, with a recurring submission window and established engagement steps like webinars and toolkit access. Applicants should monitor the DEP site and the National Park Service announcements for updates regarding Round 7 awards and subsequent application cycles.

Use the Trust for Public Land Technical Assistance Toolkit; attend webinars and review Q&A and workshop presentation materials for guidance