What We Do

Although the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) Program no longer supports new grants, the National Park Service continues to uphold critical post-completion responsibilities to ensure the long-term protection and availability of recreation resources developed through past UPARR investments. Established under the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-625), the program was designed not only to provide financial assistance for the rehabilitation and revitalization of urban recreation systems but also to secure these public assets in perpetuity.

Key ongoing responsibilities include:

• Perpetual Protection of Recreation Sites: In accordance with Section 1010 of the UPARR Act (now codified at 54 U.S.C. §200507), properties improved or developed with UPARR assistance must remain dedicated to public recreation use. Conversions to non-recreational uses are strictly prohibited without prior National Park Service approval and require the provision of replacement recreation opportunities of reasonably equivalent location and usefulness.

• Conversion Review and Compliance: The National Park Service continues to process requests for conversions where local governments seek to repurpose UPARR-assisted sites. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, focusing on community needs, recreation equivalency, and adherence to Recovery Action Plans. Replacement properties must offer comparable recreational value and serve the same jurisdiction.

• Operation and Maintenance Oversight: Grantees are required to operate and maintain UPARR-assisted facilities in a manner that is safe, sanitary, attractive, and inviting to the public. This includes compliance with accessibility standards, non-discrimination provisions, and ensuring reasonable public access without unlawful restrictions.

• Obsolete Facilities Requests: When UPARR-assisted facilities reach the end of their useful life or when recreation needs evolve, grantees may request a determination of obsolete status. The National Park Service reviews such requests to confirm that recreation benefits can no longer reasonably continue and that any changes align with current community recreation plans.

Through these ongoing responsibilities, the National Park Service ensures that the legacy of the UPARR Program continues to benefit urban communities by safeguarding vital recreation resources. While no new grants are being awarded, the program remains actively engaged in protecting the significant federal investment made in urban park and recreation systems across the nation.