Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) Program. You can also contact us for more information about the program or assistance.
Can I still receive funding grants from the UPARR Program?
No funds have been appropriated for UPARR grant assistance since 2002. For available funding opportunities see the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnerships Grants Program (ORLP).
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides grant funding to local governments to help plan, acquire and develop high-quality outdoor recreation resources and protect these areas forever. Many of these resources are in urban areas, creating a legacy of high quality, close-to-home recreation areas where Americans and visitors of all ages and abilities can get outdoors to stretch their bodies and minds.
The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) establishes priorities and defines the need for the acquisition of recreation land and the development of facilities. Requests for surplus properties that fall under National Park Service-Federal Lands to Parks Program (NPS-FLP) should be supported by the SCORP.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grants program offers matching grants (up to 50% of total project costs) to cities for park projects in underserved communities. Managed by the National Park Service and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, ORLP grants assist communities with little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or to substantially renovate public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.
I have a legacy UPARR grant, what are my stewardship responsibilities?
As a grant recipient of the UPARR program, your post-completion responsibilities include maintaining any area or facility that received assistance for public recreational use, ensuring compliance with all relevant provisions. This applies to the entire area outlined in your project documentation, regardless of the extent of UPARR funding.
You must also seek approval from the National Park Service if you wish to convert any assisted site to non-recreational uses, ensuring that all alternatives have been considered and that the proposal aligns with local recreation plans. Additionally, you are required to adhere to non-discrimination policies regarding residency in the use of the facilities, with fee structures that do not favor residents over nonresidents. Ongoing maintenance and adherence to these guidelines are crucial to fulfilling your responsibilities under the UPARR program.
A full description of Post-Completion Compliance Responsibilities can be found in 36 CFR Part 72.
Last updated: May 6, 2025