The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is advocating for the U.S. Senate to pass the Outdoors for All Act after the House of Representatives unanimously passed the act as part of the EXPLORE Act package.

 

The Outdoors for All Act was designed to address the lack of recreation space in underserved communities. The bill will establish funding for the existing Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program as part of the National Park Service (NPS). The program will help fund project expenses for new parks, renovations of existing facilities, and infrastructure that supports education and volunteerism.

"Research confirms what our bodies and nature already understand-more time in outdoor spaces increases well-being," said Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO, ASLA. "Communities across the country need investment in welcoming, dynamic, and safe outdoor spaces. Landscape architects have deep experience in bringing people and nature closer together. ASLA urges the Senate to pass this bipartisan bill."

Meanwhile, the Sierra Club published an article about the act and highlights about the bill such as the Outdoors for All Act which would authorize the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, the Military and Veterans in Parks Act that would promote opportunities for outdoor recreation experiences for veterans and active duty members on federal lands, the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides all 4th graders and their families free access to federal parks, and the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act would simplify and streamline permitting.