Getting Land

NPS-FLP works with communities interested in acquiring surplus federal property for parks and recreation, from finding out about available surplus federal property, assisting with the application, advocating for the public recreation, and deeding the property. Once a property is transferred, the NPS-FLP program continues to work with communities to ensure this land remains available and used for public parks and recreation in perpetuity (remains compliant) and to protect important natural and cultural resources.

Conservation Lands, PR - Laura Magruder

Finding Out
When any surplus federal property becomes available for reuse, the General Services Administration (GSA), the military agency, in cases of base closures, or at times, another federal "disposing" agency, will notify other federal and state agencies. NPS-FLP staff review notices of available property for park and recreation opportunities, and notify relevant state, regional and/or local park agencies or their availability and potential suitability. Notices are posted on the General Services Administration website. Interested state or local government agencies then notify NPS and begin the application process for transfer. The National Park Service typically has 25 days from the "notice of availability" to notify the General Services Administration of state or local park and recreation interests.

Applying
State or local agencies apply for property through the NPS-FLP regional offices. By request, NPS-FLP will help a potential applicant in applying for and obtaining surplus property for parks and recreation areas.

Successful applications support:

• the need for the property for parks or recreation, and for historical, natural or recreational preservation

• the applicant's capability to operate and maintain the property for public parks and recreation

• the suitability of the property for park and recreational use

• the program of utilization for the property which describes the proposed park and recreational use and provides a site plan

Getting Ownership
If the application is deemed satisfactory by the NPS and the disposal agency, the NPS-FLP requests the property from the disposal agency. The NPS acts as a sponsor for the request and the surrounding community and NPS-FLP works as an advocate on behalf of the community and its request for the park land. If successful, the National Park Service deeds the land to the applicant with provisions to ensure continued public access, recreational use, and stewardship in perpetuity.

Stewardship
Once the land is transferred, NPS-FLP conducts periodic monitoring of the property's use and development to ensure compliance with the terms of the deed. The property deeds stipulate that the land must be maintained for public park and recreation use in perpetuity. Additionally, the recipient of the property is required to submit periodic stewardship reports describing the property's use and condition, which helps to ensure ongoing public access and the protection of its natural and cultural resources.

Outcomes
A new public park and/or recreation area is created, an existing park is expanded, and open spaces, as well as cultural, natural, and recreational resources, are preserved. The public gains access to rivers, lakes, open spaces, community and cultural centers, sports facilities, and similar amenities. Former federal lands continue to be accessible for public use and conservation in perpetuity, creating new outdoor recreation spaces, revitalizing existing parks, and strengthening connections between people and the outdoors.

Contact us with any further questions.