Outdoors for All Act passage would provide reliable funding for parks
Los Angeles County park camping program
Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
Congress must act to promote outdoor equity and build healthier communities
Across the United States there is a growing recognition of the human need to get outside and connect with nature. Whether time spent in parks and green spaces helps you recuperate from anxiety and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic, pulls you away from too much screen time on your phone, computer, or TV, helps you get much-needed exercise, or just provides a place relax with family and friends – access to the outdoors is essential. But currently, one in three people in the US, including 28 million children, have no quality park within a half-mile of where they live.
The need is greatest in traditionally underserved low-income and communities of color. To address this problem, Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) and Mike Turner (OH-10) were joined by California Senator Alex Padilla reintroducing the Outdoors for All Act in the House and Senate. This proposed legislation creates a dedicated source of funding for local parks and greenspace, targeting the urban communities that need it the most.
“Access to nature is a human right. No matter your zip code, income level, race or ethnic background, everyone deserves to enjoy outdoor experiences,” said Tara Brown, Senior Government Relations Representative at The Wilderness Society. “Underserved communities across the country need better access to the economic and health benefits that quality parks, trails and green spaces provide. This is exactly what the Outdoors for All Act seeks to ensure. We’re thankful to Representatives Barragán and Turner, as well as Senator Padilla, for demonstrating their commitment to ending persistent inequity in access to nature and the outdoors.”
Investment in parks and greenspace can also bring new jobs to urban areas, help improve the mental and physical health of nearby residents, offer shade and lower extreme heat made worse by climate change, and reduce storm water flooding and air pollution.
The Wilderness Society applauds the reintroduction of this important legislation which will ensure a permanent and reliable source of park funding through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program.
CONTACT:
- Tara Brown, Senior Government Relations Representative, The Wilderness Society, (202) 429-2647, tara_brown@tws.org
The Wilderness Society, founded in 1935, is the leading conservation organization working to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. With more than one million members and supporters, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect 109 million acres of wilderness and to ensure sound management of our shared national lands. www.wilderness.org
