Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership by Iowa DNR funds science-based projects to create and enhance urban outdoor recreation spaces across Iowa’s larger communities.
Funder: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: September 1, 2026 (Iowa DNR application) | November 1, 2026 (NPS proposal submission)
Funding Amounts: Typically up to 50% of project costs; maximum award varies by round and availability; dollar-for-dollar match required.
Summary: Supports the creation and improvement of outdoor recreation spaces in Iowa’s urban communities, focusing on areas with populations of 25,000 or more.
Key Information: Projects must align with Iowa’s State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and be open to the public for outdoor recreation.
Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP), administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas across Iowa. Funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the program supports the acquisition and development of new parks or the significant improvement of existing outdoor recreation facilities. The initiative targets communities with populations of 25,000 or more—including urban centers and areas administered by federally recognized tribes—with the goal of enhancing public access to quality outdoor spaces and promoting equitable outdoor recreation.
Projects must align with the priorities of Iowa’s State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and are expected to provide new or significantly improved recreation opportunities for the public. All funded areas and facilities must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
