Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program aims to provide new or significantly improved recreation opportunities for economically disadvantaged communities that lack public outdoor recreation spaces. Administered under the
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act and almost entirely managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the program supports the creation of new parks or the development of existing sites that improve access and establish stronger connections between people and the outdoors.
Who can apply?
Local, County, State, or Tribal government agencies in Colorado with a population of at least 30,000 as per the 2020 Census. Projects must be located in a disadvantaged area according to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST).
Which projects are eligible?
Eligible project types generally include anything that people can play on, provided it is outdoors. Projects may include any or all manner of outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, camping, unstructured play, picnicking, cycling, field and court sports, fishing, bird watching, swimming pools, paddling, and skating, as well as for outdoor recreation facilities and some supporting facilities and infrastructure like restrooms/bathhouses, or parking areas, when part of an overall recreation project.
The project cannot be within a park or site that has received LWCF or ORLP funding within the last seven years. Applicants must own the land where the project is situated in fee simple and agree to protect and maintain it in perpetuity for outdoor recreation.
How much funding is on offer?
Grants ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000 are available. To be eligible, the grant amount must be matched 1:1 with at least 10% cash.
When are applications due?
- Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - CPW pre-application submission due
- Friday, March 8, 2024 - CPW full application due
- Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - CPW selected applications submitted to the NPS for consideration in the national competition
How can I apply?
Specific Colorado ORLP application documents are available below, along with the ORLP Manual which provides detailed guidance for new applicants. Other important application documents and guidelines are available on CPW’s LWCF webpage.
Applicants can also refer to the NPS ORLP website for additional program information.
Documents
Manual
This document provides a brief overview of the ORLP program and requirements. It should be read in conjunction with the LWCF Manual on the LWCF webpage.
Application templates
*Other application documents listed in the ORLP manual are available on the
LWCF webpage.
Contact us
Where can I find more information?
All ORLP queries can be directed to the CPW staff listed below.
You can also join the mailing list to receive alerts for upcoming LWCF and ORLP grant rounds.
Chrystal Read | Federal Grants Administrator
303-791-1957 x. 4150 | chrystal.read@state.co.us
Fletcher Jacobs | LWCF Alternate State Liaison Officer
303-791-1957 x. 4129 | fletcher.jacobs@state.co.us
Accessibility
The State of Colorado is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all Coloradans. Please contact trails@state.co.us for personalized accessibility assistance with the documents on this page, which are available in text format upon request.
Photo: Splash pad at Coal Creek Park in Erie, an LWCF recipient. Photo credit Town of Erie.
