On January 4, President Biden signed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act into law, marking a significant milestone in expanding outdoor recreation opportunities.  In particular, the measure includes the Outdoors for All Act, which would provide dedicated funding for local parks and outdoor recreation spaces in underserved communities. From sending thousands of messages to Capitol Hill and meeting with their congressional legislators and staff, ASLA and its advocates have worked tirelessly to pass this critical environmental justice measure. 

Parks and other outdoor recreation spaces provide a myriad of environmental, public health, economic, social, and other benefits - from managing stormwater and drinking water supplies, improving air quality, providing critical biodiversity habitats, providing space for physical activity, and more. Local parks are also economic drivers, generating $218 billion in economic activity and 1.3 million jobs in the United States. Further, the parks and the recreation industry are leading sources of first jobs for youth and young adults. Unfortunately, underserved communities lack adequate parks and outdoor recreation space, and therefore, are unable to reap these community benefits. The Outdoors for All Act seeks to address this disparity by increasing and enhancing parks and other outdoor spaces in marginalized communities.    

Landscape architects are the leading professionals responsible for planning and designing community parks in a manner that meets the climate, health, economic, and recreational needs of all communities. “We believe everyone deserves access to well-designed, sustainable outdoor spaces that provide connection and promote healthy lifestyles. This legislation is a step toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all underserved communities,” said ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen, Hon. ASLA. Now that the Outdoors for All Act is signed into law, the profession stands ready to access funding to create community park projects that help bridge the gap in underserved communities nationwide. 

The EXPLORE Act also includes several other provisions important to ASLA and landscape architects, including:  

• Creating long-distance bike trails: Invests in new long-distance bike trails, promoting new recreation and tourism opportunities for county residents and visitors 
• Enhancing Access for Veterans and Military Families: Improves disability access and assistive technology on federal lands.  
• Connecting Kids to Nature: Continues the Every Kid Outdoors program, providing free access to national parks for 4th graders and their families.  
• Managing National Park Overcrowding: Provides resources to combat park overcrowding by funding parking expansion projects in high-traffic parks and encouraging public recreation in less-traveled areas to relieve pressure on popular destinations. 
• Supporting Gateway Communities: Tackles housing shortages, parking, infrastructure challenges and overcrowding concerns to foster sustainable economic and community development in public lands counties. 

Learn more about the Outdoors for All HERE  

Learn more about the EXPLORE Act HERE