WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the “Outdoors for All Act,” bipartisan legislation authored by Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), is headed to President Biden's desk for his signature into law.
The “Outdoors for All Act” permanently authorizes the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program (ORLP), a grant program that provides direct funding to cities and localities to develop, restore and maintain their local parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.
“Families and visitors in the Miami Valley deserve to enjoy all the beautiful parks, trails, and recreational spaces that the Dayton region has to offer. With this legislation, we preserve access and increase the opportunity for additional federal investment in these green spaces,” said Congressman Turner. “I’m proud to see my bipartisan, bicameral ‘Outdoors for All Act’ included in the ‘EXPLORE Act’ which will protect and enhance opportunities for residents to get outside and enjoy the incredible outdoor resources that make the Dayton region such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.”
“I’m thrilled that the EXPLORE Act, which includes my Outdoors for All Act is on its way to the President’s desk,” said Rep. Barragán. “I’ve worked hard the last five years to get this done. The Outdoors for All Act ensures that millions of Americans, particularly those in underserved communities and communities of color, will have improved access to green spaces. Growing up in the Harbor Gateway, I had to take a bus to travel to a park for baseball practice – a reality for too many low-income families nationwide. By passing Outdoors for All, we are making a lasting commitment to fund urban parks and bring the benefits of green space to communities that need them most.”
In April, the House passed this legislation. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate, which was cleared this week.
“Everyone deserves access to the outdoors regardless of where they live. Having grown up in Los Angeles, I’ve seen firsthand how urban and low-income communities often lack access to adequate park space,” said Senator Padilla. “The Outdoors for All Act will invest in new parks and open spaces — and upgrade existing ones — to bring critical natural benefits like shade, tree cover, and cleaner air to urban neighborhoods.”
“Our state is fortunate to have abundant natural resources that allow Mainers and visitors to enjoy our pristine environment,” said Senator Collins. “However, 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 of nature close to home. The bipartisan Outdoors for All Act will invest in these communities to support parks, playgrounds, trails, and other projects to help ensure Americans have outdoor recreation opportunities.”
Read the full text of the “Outdoors for All Act” here. The full text of the “EXPLORE Act” can be found here.