Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program

Purpose: The Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program provides matching grants to create new or significantly improve public outdoor recreation areas and facilities in underserved urban communities, consistent with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and Michigan's outdoor recreation priorities. Additional eligibility: Applicants must be units of government (including federally recognized tribes) with a current DNR-approved five-year recreation plan; projects must align with the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, be in a city of at least 30,000 residents, and be located in a census tract identified as disadvantaged by EPA's EJScreen. Project eligibility: Acquisition or development of publicly owned outdoor recreation parks and facilities; sites must be or become publicly owned in fee simple. Pre-existing easements and most indoor facilities are ineligible, though supporting amenities such as restrooms may be eligible. Application process: Applicants submit a full application in MiGrants; DNR staff review and select proposals to advance to the National Park Service panel; NPS conducts a national review; if selected, applicants must submit a complete federal award package (including SHPO Section 106, NEPA, tribal consultation, and any needed USACE/EGLE permitting and USFWS IPaC review) within one year for final NPS approval and award.