California State Parks is now accepting applications from public agencies for two federal grant programs aimed at improving access to local parks and natural spaces. The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) is a competitive grant program that helps local public agencies acquire, create or renovate local parks in underserved communities.The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program provides eligible applicants with the ability to acquire land and/or develop recreational amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields and courts, exercise stations, dog and skate parks.
“These grants are a great opportunity to expand access to local parks in the communities that need it most so all Californians, no matter their zip code, can experience the joy and wellness that come from spending time in outdoor spaces,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “I encourage all eligible public agencies to apply and join us in advancing California’s Outdoors for All initiative, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, to ensure equitable access to parks and outdoor spaces for all Californians.”
In this current round of ORLP, approximately $90 million in total funding is available nationwide, with applicants able to request up to $15 million per project. Applications for the ORLP grant are due by March 11. For the LWCF grants, approximately $33 million in total funding is available for California. Applications for the LWCF grant are due by August 5, and applicants can request up to $6 million per project.
These competitive grants are open to public agencies including cities and counties, joint powers authorities, federally recognized Native American tribes, park districts, and special districts with the authority to acquire, operate and maintain public park and recreation areas in California.
State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) will hold in-person workshops for interested applicants across California throughout February. More details on the workshops, including how to RSVP, is available under the “Application Process” tab on the ORLP and LWCF webpages.
Key details for ORLP applicants:
- Grant Description: Helps fund projects that acquire, renovate or develop parks in neighborhoods where residents have limited or no access to nearby outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on March 11, 2025.
- Grant Amount: Eligible applicants may request up to $15 million per project.
- Project Criteria: Projects must be within a 2020 census tract or incorporated city or town of at least 25,000 people.
Key details for LCWF applicants:
- Grant Description: Supports projects to acquire or develop parks prioritizing recreational opportunities.
- Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2025.
- Grant Amount: Eligible applicants may request up to $6 million per project.
- Application Support: Additional technical assistance, including a variety of tools to help applicants identify potentially eligible projects, can be found on the OGALS Land and Water Conservation Fund webpage.
State Parks understands there may be uncertainty surrounding federally funded grant programs. State Parks is accepting and reviewing applications and will keep applicants updated should there be any changes to program guidelines or deadlines.