The U.S. Senate has passed the EXPLORE Act, which includes the Outdoors for All Act, a key initiative supported by Trust for Public Land, Outdoor Industry Association and others. This act is vital for ensuring equitable access to parks and outdoor spaces for all Americans. This groundbreaking bipartisan legislation represents a historic step forward in addressing disparities in park access and expanding outdoor equity nationwide.
“The unanimous passage of the Outdoors for All Act in the Senate marks a historic milestone in expanding outdoor access for all Americans,” said Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Trust for Public Land. “As one of the final acts of Congress in 2024, this bipartisan achievement underscores the vital role parks and green spaces play in uniting us. For the first time, this legislation ensures that tribal nations can directly access funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, while also providing essential resources to underserved urban communities. With this measure now heading to the President’s desk, we are one step closer to making the benefits and joys of the outdoors a reality for every community—regardless of location or income.”
The Outdoors for All Act codifies the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, which is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provides critical federal grants to create and improve parks in urban and underserved communities. This legislation reduces barriers for marginalized communities, lowers population thresholds for applicants, and most notably, expands ORLP eligibility to tribal nations, marking the first time tribes will have direct access to these resources.
Today, 100 million Americans, including 28 million children, do not have access to a park within a 10-minute walk of home. In neighborhoods where residents are predominantly people of color, parks are on average half the size and serve five times more people per acre than those in predominantly white neighborhoods. Similarly, in low-income communities, parks are four times smaller yet serve four times more people per acre than those in high-income neighborhoods. The Outdoors for All Act addresses these systemic inequities and ensures equitable park access for millions of people in America.
“Everyone deserves access to the outdoors regardless of where they live. Having grown up in Los Angeles, I’ve seen firsthand how urban and low-income communities often lack access to adequate park space,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). “The Outdoors for All Act will invest in new parks and open spaces—and upgrade existing ones—to bring critical natural benefits like shade, tree cover, and cleaner air to urban neighborhoods.”
“I’m thrilled that the EXPLORE Act, which includes my Outdoors for All Act, is on its way to the President’s desk,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán. “I’ve worked hard the last five years to get this done. The Outdoors for All Act ensures that millions of Americans, particularly those in underserved communities and communities of color, will have improved access to green spaces. Growing up in the Harbor Gateway, I had to take a bus to travel to a park for baseball practice—a reality for too many low-income families nationwide. By passing Outdoors for All, we are making a lasting commitment to fund urban parks and bring the benefits of green space to communities that need them most.”
The passage of the EXPLORE Act is also a victory for the outdoor recreation economy, now valued at $1.1 trillion annually and supporting 5 million jobs. By investing in trails, parks, and infrastructure, the legislation fosters social connection and resilience while ensuring the outdoors is open to everyone.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership and unwavering commitment of Senators Alex Padilla and Susan Collins, Representatives Nanette Barragán and Mike Turner, and the bipartisan support from both the House and the Senate,” added Hauser. “We are deeply grateful to Congress for prioritizing equitable park access and addressing long-standing disparities in outdoor recreation. Their dedication has paved the way for this transformative legislation, and we look forward to working with communities across the country to bring its benefits to life.”
As of the posting of this story (Dec. 31, 2024), the Act has been presented to President Biden, but has not yet been signed.