National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) looks forward to working with the federal government to ensure community resilience
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is pleased to see today’s White House report — Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful — recommending the United States achieve its goal of conserving at least 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030. NRPA Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy Elvis Cordova said:
“NRPA believes local park and recreation agencies play a vital role in protecting public outdoor resources from the worst impacts of climate change and should receive government support for this critical work — something we continually advocate for. While we work to find community-driven climate solutions, we also recognize that Black, Indigenous and people of color, as well as people living in lower-income communities, face the greatest consequences of climate change. The 30x30 plan is a step in the right direction to ensure that these communities have access to clean outdoor spaces, water and air for generations to come.
NRPA is also pleased to see that the report highlights the role the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (OLRP) program play in conserving critical outdoor spaces across the country. These programs provide funding for the development of new parks and/or renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities and have served as essential tools for ensuring that people in every community have access to quality green spaces, regardless of their race, gender identity, ability, religious beliefs or socioeconomic status. NRPA commends the federal government for recognizing these essential programs and how they play a role in creating bold and forward-thinking solutions for environmental justice.
We look forward to working with the Department of the Interior and Congress on next steps to ensure that our communities remain resilient in the face of climate change and that everyone has access to the many benefits of parks and recreation.”
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.