DENVER — Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s decision to expand the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant program will help urban communities build new recreation spaces and restore existing parks and open spaces. 

“The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program has helped bring more equitable access for outdoor recreation to underserved communities across the nation,” said Simone Lightfoot, associate vice president for environmental justice and climate justice at the National Wildlife Federation. “Expanding this program will improve the health and welfare of American families by providing greater opportunities for kids to play outdoors. As we have seen during the pandemic, getting outside to exercise and connect with nature has enormous benefits for everyone.”

“At a time when American families are increasingly stressed and weary from the global pandemic, expanding opportunities for children and youth to get outside and connect with nature is welcome relief indeed,” said Andrew Black, public lands field director at the National Wildlife Federation. “We know that getting kids outside makes them smarter, happier and healthier. The expansion of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program will improve the quality of life for families in disadvantaged urban areas for generations to come.”