With the news of the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) passing the Senate, NRPA (a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity) issued a press release statement applauding the progress of the legislation. The association is especially pleased that this bill will provide the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) with an annual $900 million. NRPA considers the most important aspect of the fund is that it is the main source of income for the creation and development of parks, trails, fields, and other recreational areas.

 

In response to the bill's momentum, NRPA president and CEO, Kristine Stratton, said, "NRPA applauds the Senate for passing the Great American Outdoors Act. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a program that is incredibly important for communities across America. This marks a huge win for our more than 60,000 members and advocates, who work tirelessly to serve the public with parks and trails in urban and rural communities throughout the country."

Stratton continued by pushing the House of Representatives to continue moving GAOA forward by passing it themselves. She stressed the importance of LWCF for parks across the country "Now, we urge the House to pass the Great American Outdoors Act and ensure that LWCF becomes fully funded and therefore can effectively serve communities through parks, outdoor recreation, conservation, and health and wellness. It's time for the House to finish the job."

According to a survey conducted by NRPA, 83% of United States adults believe that visiting parks and other open spaces positively contributes to individual mental and physical health. This health concept is understood to hold greater value during the pandemic.