Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants
Forecasted
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants support communities through parkland acquisition and recreation facility development or renovation to expand public outdoor access and promote conservation.
Funder: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Federal applications) | November 2030 (Final recurring-notice closing)
Funding Amounts: $300,000–$15 million per award; $85 million estimated total program funding; 1:1 non-federal match
Summary: Supports parkland acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development or renovation to expand public recreation access in qualifying communities.
Key Information: The entire assisted park or site must remain maintained and accessible for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program is a nationally competitive federal grant program administered by the National Park Service (NPS), with Colorado applications coordinated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, it supports acquisition of land and water for parks and outdoor recreation, development of new facilities, and renovation of existing facilities in qualifying areas.
The program prioritizes expanded recreation access, community needs, partnerships, conservation, and feasible projects. Colorado’s guidance emphasizes underserved, low-income communities, visitor safety, tribal gathering spaces, and hunter education facilities. Projects may also support youth engagement, volunteerism, job training, local recreation programming, wildlife habitat, improved air and water quality, and reduced urban heat. Partnerships and alignment with Colorado’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan are desirable attributes.
