Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program is a federally funded initiative administered in Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS). Rooted in the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act, this program is designed to enhance access to public outdoor recreation spaces in underserved urban communities with populations of 30,000 or more. The ORLP Program is part of a national effort to address the inequity in access to quality parks and recreation resources by funding land acquisition and park development projects in economically disadvantaged areas. In line with Michigan's 2023–2027 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), the program supports community-centered planning, ecological restoration, and equitable greenspace investment. Applicants must ensure their projects align with the SCORP's identified recreation priorities and promote resilience, biodiversity, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban development. Collaboration among government entities, private stakeholders, and the community is emphasized, as these partnerships are essential for delivering successful and impactful projects. The program provides matching grants for either the acquisition or development of public outdoor recreational facilities on publicly owned land. It does not permit the use of pre-existing easements or legal instruments that do not comply with LWCF requirements. Projects must include fee simple acquisition or equivalent full public ownership. Indoor recreation facilities are generally ineligible, with exceptions made for structures that directly support outdoor recreation such as restrooms. To be eligible, applicants must be units of government, including Native American tribes, with a DNR-approved five-year recreation plan. Projects must be located within an eligible urban area and demonstrate the community’s disadvantaged status using the EJScreen mapping tool. The application process includes submission through MiGrants, followed by review and forwarding to NPS through Grants.gov. Successful applicants must complete a full federal application package, including reviews by SHPO, NEPA, IPaC, and potentially the USACE or Michigan EGLE, depending on project impact. The program offers two submission cycles annually. For 2025, the first cycle has an internal Michigan deadline of April 1, with submission to NPS by June 1 and award announcements expected in September. The second cycle deadline is September 1 for internal review and November 1 for NPS submission, with decisions by February of the following year. Awards range from $300,000 to $15 million and require a non-federal match, commonly structured at a 1:1 ratio. Full applications must be submitted to NPS within one year of selection to remain eligible.

Submit SHPO, IPaC, and other reports early to avoid processing delays. Use EJScreen to confirm eligibility and ensure project aligns with SCORP priorities.