LWCF Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
The LWCF Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program funds urban park and recreation projects in New York State to improve equitable access, community health, and environmental resilience.
Funder: New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (application to NYS LWCF) | November 1, 2026 (annual application deadline) | November 1, 2030 (final closing date)
Funding Amounts: $300,000–$15,000,000 per award (50% match required); $85M total program funding, ~35 awards anticipated
Summary: Supports urban park projects in New York State that enhance recreation and public access, prioritizing low-income and underserved communities.
Key Information: Projects must be in urban areas (pop. 25,000+); matching funds required; applications routed through NYS OPRHP.
Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), is a nationally competitive grant administered in New York State by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The program funds the acquisition, development, and renovation of public parks and outdoor recreation facilities in urban areas with populations of 25,000 or more, with a particular focus on projects serving low-income and underserved communities. Projects must demonstrate community engagement, address recreational needs, and contribute to equitable access to green spaces.
The program provides 50/50 matching grants for eligible projects, supporting efforts that improve public health, environmental resilience, and community well-being through investment in local parks and recreation infrastructure.
