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Park Bench Chat

Park Bench Chat: Funding Local Parks through the National Park Service’s ORLP

A group of people working in a park with a wheelbarrow.

What is the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) and how can TPL help you create a competitive application?

Thank you for joining Trust for Public Land on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (EST) for a virtual Park Bench Chat about the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, a federal funding program that improves outdoor recreation opportunities in urban, disadvantaged communities. The ORLP program, run by the National Park Service, has received record funding in recent years. However, there remains to be significant opportunity to invest these dollars in the communities that stand to benefit the most. During this webinar TPL will release the second edition of our ORLP Grant Application Toolkit, preview a new opportunity to receive in-depth technical assistance for motivated applicants, and offer legislative insights on the Outdoors for All Act.

Speakers:

Luis Benitez

Luis Benitez

Trust for Public Land, Chief Impact Officer

Luis is the Chief Impact Officer at Trust for Public Land where he oversees TPL’s marketing and communication efforts, Federal Affairs, and research and innovation arm – the Land and People Lab. Before his tenure at VF Corporation where he was the Vice President of Global Impact and Government Affairs, Luis made headlines for his commitment to the outdoor community. He championed the establishment of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, becoming its first director and successfully promoting Colorado as a hub for outdoor recreation businesses and activities. Benitez’s work as director of Colorado Outdoor Industry Recreation Office helped more than double the state’s outdoor economy to $62.5 billion, according to a government report. During his tenure, outdoor recreation wages and salaries increased by 75%, and 62% of Coloradans reportedly used local parks, open space, or trails one or more times per week.

 

Ginger Carter

Ginger Carter

National Park Service, Grants Management Specialist

Ginger Carter has been with the National Park Service since 1992, managing grant programs to preserve battlefield lands, rehabilitate properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and assist Tribal Historic Preservation Offices before moving into the State and Local Assistance Programs office as the Lead for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program in January of 2021.

 

 

Stephanie Flynn

Stephanie Flynn

Trust for Public Land, Sr. Manager of Federal Grants

Stephanie is the Sr. Manager of Federal Grants for Trust for Public Land where she helps communities advance their park and open-space goals by identifying and securing grant funding needed to create equitable access to lands, parks, schoolyards, and trails. Stephanie also played a key role in the creation and implementation of TPL’s Equitable Communities Fund, and has been with TPL since 2017. Prior to this, Stephanie worked for a campaign consulting firm as Operations Manager. She received her BA from American University in International Studies and Spanish Studies, with a focus in International Communications. Stephanie is originally from Connecticut, and is based in Washington, DC.

 

Whether you’re a federal funding expert, a park enthusiast, or just want to learn more, you don’t want to miss this special conversation! Sign up today.