Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grants
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grants support locally led park projects, funding land acquisition and facility development or renovation to expand public outdoor recreation.
Funder: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Texas application) | November 1, 2026 (annual NPS deadline) | April 30, 2028 (selected projects’ full packages) | November 1, 2030 (recurring notice closes)
Funding Amounts: $300,000–$15 million per award; up to 50% of project costs
Summary: ORLP funds land acquisition and park development or renovation that expands public outdoor recreation in qualifying areas.
Key Information: Texas applicants must complete a TPWD eligibility review before applying; assisted sites must remain open for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) is a nationally competitive program administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It supports locally led projects to acquire land or water for parks, develop new outdoor recreation facilities, or renovate existing ones. Projects may include sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and community gardens.
In Texas, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) reviews applications and submits selected projects to NPS for national competition. Projects must address community recreation needs in qualifying areas and align with the Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan. ORLP aims to make outdoor recreation accessible to more people while preserving grant-assisted sites for public use.
