Bipartisan, bicameral bill to codify outdoor recreation grant program offered by Turner, Collins

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) on Sept. 29 unveiled a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would provide direct federal funds to cities and localities toward developing, restoring and maintaining their parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.

The Outdoors for All Act, H.R. 5413/S. 2887, would permanently authorize the National Park Service’s existing grant program, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. Rep. Turner is the lead original cosponsor of H.R. 5413, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) and 21 other original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). 

“This bill would provide investments into recreational areas and parks in lower-income communities to ensure that they are well maintained and safe for people to gather and participate in outdoor activities,” Rep. Turner said. “According to the Trust for Public Land, 78 percent of Daytonians are within a 10-minute walking distance to a park, and with COVID-19 still present, it is now more important than ever to give communities a well-kept outdoor space to social distance and spend time.” 

Sen. Collins is the lead original cosponsor of S. 2887, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and 20 other original cosponsors. 

“Our state is fortunate to have abundant natural resources that allow Mainers and visitors to enjoy our pristine environment,” said Sen. Collins. “Regrettably, many Americans, particularly those living in urban and low-income areas, lack access to outdoor green spaces that give them the ability to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature close to home.”  

“This bipartisan bill would invest in these communities to support parks, playgrounds, trails, and other projects that will help ensure that all Americans have outdoor recreation opportunities,” she added.

Five Rivers MetroParks Executive Director Becky Benná endorsed the bill, which she said would help her Ohio-based organization and other local and regional public agencies to expand access to outdoor recreation and job opportunities in cities and towns, particularly in underserved and low-income areas; provide dedicated grant funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to create and improve local parks, trails and outdoor recreation areas, as well as protect and preserve open space and wildlife habitats; and expand outdoor access for all.

S. 2887 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for consideration, while H.R. 5413 is being reviewed by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.