Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program is a competitive grant program administered in Michigan by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the National Park Service. While funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the program operates at the state level for applicants, with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources serving as the primary point of contact and administrator. The program was originally established in 2014 and later expanded through the EXPLORE Act to increase access to outdoor recreation in urban and underserved communities, including expanded eligibility for Tribal governments. The purpose of the program is to support the acquisition of land and water and the development or renovation of outdoor recreation facilities in qualifying areas. These qualifying areas are defined as urban locations with populations of at least 25,000, combinations of adjacent urban areas meeting that population threshold, or lands administered by federally recognized Tribal governments. The program is designed to create new or significantly improved outdoor recreation opportunities for the public, particularly in areas where access to parks and recreational facilities is limited or insufficient. Funding may be used for a wide range of outdoor recreation purposes, including land acquisition, park development, and improvements to existing facilities that enhance public access and usability. Projects must be located on publicly owned land or involve the transfer of ownership to a public entity through fee simple acquisition. While certain supporting facilities such as restrooms are eligible, the program does not fund indoor recreation centers or buildings primarily used for non-outdoor purposes. All funded properties must be maintained for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity, ensuring long-term community benefit. The program requires a matching contribution from applicants, with a minimum non-federal cost share of fifty percent of total project costs. This means the grant can cover up to half of the project budget, and applicants must demonstrate a plan to secure the remaining funds. Matching contributions may include cash, land value, in-kind services, or volunteer labor, provided they meet federal requirements. Although matching funds do not need to be fully secured at the time of application, applicants must provide clear documentation of their plan to obtain them before a grant agreement is finalized. Eligible applicants include units of government such as cities, townships, counties, and federally recognized Tribal governments, as well as combinations of such entities that have legal authority to provide recreation services. In Michigan, applicants must also have a Department of Natural Resources approved five-year community recreation plan to qualify. The program emphasizes projects that address gaps in recreation access, serve low-income or underserved populations, and align with statewide recreation planning goals outlined in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Applications must be submitted through the MiGrants system by September 1, 2026, after which the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will review and forward selected applications to the National Park Service via Grants.gov by November 1, 2026. The application process requires detailed documentation, including project narratives, budgets, site plans, and evidence of matching funds. Projects are evaluated by an independent panel based on criteria such as alignment with program goals, community impact, feasibility, and environmental benefits. Following submission, selected projects are announced by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Successful applicants have up to one year to finalize a grant agreement with the National Park Service. Once awarded, projects typically must be completed within one to three years and are subject to ongoing reporting and compliance requirements. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, providing continued opportunities for Michigan communities to invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure and expand equitable access to public spaces.

Strongly align project with low income community needs and recreation gaps; demonstrate clear matching fund plan; emphasize partnerships and feasibility; include measurable outcomes tied to access and conservation