Round 7 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

The Round 7 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program is part of the LWCF State and Local Assistance Program, established by Congress in 1964 to conserve, develop, and ensure the accessibility of outdoor recreational resources in the USA. This is achieved partially by providing funds to state and local government units and federally-recognized Indian tribes via grants. The grants are used for projects that will create outdoor recreation opportunities for the public through the acquisition and development of parks and recreational facilities.

This program is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) in conjunction with lead agencies in all 50 states, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Funds for this program are provided by the federal government through the LWCF, and then distributed to states using a pre-determined legislative formula.

For states to be eligible for these grants, they must have an approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) at least once every five years. SCORPs are crucial tools for evaluating outdoor recreational resources requirements and setting spending priorities for the LWCF funds.

Furthermore, in cooperation with Congress and the Secretary of the Interior, NPS in 2014 established the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP), a competitive grant program under the LWCF Act. The ORLP was designed with input from the Congressional Committee staff, the states, and other relevant parties to catalyze new or substantially enhance recreational facilities in urban areas for disadvantaged communities.

Since then, ORLP grants, chosen through a competitive selection process lead by the NPS following state nominations, have been granted annually with congressional support. It's also noteworthy that these grants do not detract from state allotments.