Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
Forecasted
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program supports public park projects in urban and tribal areas by funding land acquisition and facility development or renovation to improve access to outdoor recreation.
Funder: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Documents to DCR) | November 2026 (NPS submission) | September 2027 (DCR preapplication)
Funding Amounts: $300,000–$15 million per award; up to 50% reimbursement of project costs
Summary: Supports land acquisition and the development or renovation of public outdoor recreation facilities in qualifying urban and tribal areas.
Key Information: The entire assisted park or site must remain accessible for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program is a nationally competitive part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program. The National Park Service administers it, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) coordinates applications from Virginia subrecipients. Grants support acquiring land and water for parks, developing new outdoor recreation facilities, and renovating existing ones in qualifying areas.
Projects are intended to create or significantly improve public access to outdoor recreation. Selection priorities include meeting recreation needs in low-income communities, incorporating community and youth participation, leveraging partnerships, delivering conservation or resilience benefits, and demonstrating a feasible project plan.
