Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

Program Description

Earlier this month, the National Park Service (NPS) released revised guidelines for the nation-wide Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program. The purpose of the ORLP Program is to provide new or significantly improved recreation opportunities in urban, disadvantaged communities lacking access to walkable outdoor recreation consistent with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual.

This competition will prioritize the selection of projects that:

  • Create or significantly enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in a qualifying area;
  • Engage and empower low-income communities and youth;
  • Provide employment or job training opportunities for youth or low-income communities;
  • Establish or expand public-private partnerships, with a focus on leveraging resources; and
  • Take advantage of coordination among various levels of government

ORLP is authorized under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act. As the lead agency for LWCF, the application process will begin with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Applications will be accepted by our office from July 6, 2026 through September 4, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated by DNR staff and those that meet the required elements and eligibility requirements will be forwarded to NPS to compete in the national competition. If your project is selected at the national level, additional information will be required.

Please note: ORLP is a completely separate application process from our LWCF grant program. If you are currently receiving or have received LWCF grant(s) within the last 7 years, you may not apply for an ORLP grant at the same park.

Eligible Applicants:

Incorporated city (or town) or county having a population of 25,000 or more in the most recent Census, or 2 or more adjacent urban areas with a combined population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census, or an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization.

Eligible Projects:

Assistance is available for:

  • Acquisition of land for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes.
  • Development or rehabilitation of outdoor recreation facilities for the public.

A wide range of outdoor recreation uses and the facilities needed to support the use and enjoyment of these areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Community parks and playgrounds
  • Campgrounds
  • Sports fields and courts
  • Picnic areas and open-air pavilions
  • Tracks for walking, hiking, or biking
  • Water-based recreation facilities for swimming or boating

Grant Amount:

Applicants can request between $300,000 and $15,000,000.

Required Match:

Grants require a minimum of 1:1 match from state, local, non-governmental, or private sources in the form of cash or in-kind contributions of land, service, materials, etc. All matching funds must be secured or firmly committed at the time of the application and supported by a signed letter from the donor.

Application Deadline:

September 4, 2026 (via email)

National Selection Date:

The NPS announcement of selected projects is anticipated for May 2027. Selected projects must finalize a grant agreement with NPS within one year to remain eligible for funding.

Contact Us:

E-mail: rayne.gaston1@dnr.ga.gov

Application Requirements

A full application will need to include the 9 required items listed in the checklist. Please see the application checklist to the right, under “Required Elements”.

If interested in submitting an application, please contact LWCF Grant Coordinator, Rayne Gaston at rayne.gaston1@dnr.ga.gov.

Timeline

July 6, 2026: Application Cycle Open
September 4, 2026: Application Due to DNR
September 2026: Applications Reviewed by DNR
May 2027: Selected Projects Announced by National Park Service

Contact Us

Rayne Gaston, LWCF Grant Coordinator
Phone: 404.290.7958 | E-mail: rayne.gaston1@dnr.ga.gov