OAK Celebrates Passage of Senate Outdoor Recreation Package
Day, Date, 2024
Contact: Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a bipartisan outdoor recreation package. The legislation would improve accessibility options outdoors, improve or create new outdoor recreation facilities, and introduce more generations of children to the outdoors.
Highlights from the package include:
- The Every Kid Outdoors program, which grants free access to federal public lands and waters to fourth graders and their families, would be reauthorized for seven years.
- The Outdoors for All Act would authorize the existing Outdoors Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, which provides funding to economically disadvantaged communities with little to no access to public outdoor recreation spaces to build or improve outdoor recreation sites and facilities.
- The Military Veterans in Parks Act would improve signage, adaptive recreational facilities, and disability access, as well as increase awareness of and access to assistive technology.
- The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act would streamline permitting processes for guides, outfitters, outdoor leaders and nonprofit organizations. This would reduce barriers that communities and organizations can face in organizing outdoor excursions and facilitating access to nature.
In response, members of the Outdoors Alliance for Kids released the following statements:
“It is great to see the Senate acknowledge the importance of inclusive legislation and on a bipartisan level by passing the EXPLORE Act,” said Julia Hurwit, Campaign Manager, OAK. “Members of OAK are united by a shared mission to help more children, youth and families access the outdoors. The EXPLORE Act is going to provide a solid foundation for our work for the next few years by increasing the opportunities for children to access public lands, expanding options for families that want to spend time in nature, and offering safe and improved outdoor recreation amenities to communities.”
“American Hiking Society and the 59 million strong hiking community celebrates the bipartisan passage of the EXPLORE Act. We applaud the leadership of Chairman Manchin and Westerman and Ranking Members Barasso and Grijalva in making outdoor recreation and access a priority! The bill has many provisions that will enhance the experience of hikers and all recreation users, and the inclusion of the Outdoors for All Act, Military and Veterans in Parks, and the extension of the Every Kid Outdoors program, are essential components of the bill that will expand outdoor access to all communities, including those most in need of access to green spaces,” said Heather Klein Olson, Executive Director, American Hiking Society.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for our nation’s outdoor legacy and path towards equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation. With the Senate’s passage of the EXPLORE Act, we are not only opening trails, we’re opening doors to endless adventures and opportunities for all Americans. This bipartisan achievement reflects our collective commitment to preserving our natural wonders and ensuring every individual has the chance to connect with the great outdoors. The Outdoor Foundation celebrates this milestone as we continue to champion an outdoors for all where we all thrive outside,” said Lesford Duncan, MPH, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation.
“National parks provide children and families with unparalleled opportunities to experience the outdoors. We applaud Congress for supporting children’s health by passing the bipartisan EXPLORE Act and extending the Every Kid Outdoors program. This critical legislation will enable more families to spend time outside, promoting physical activity and fostering heart-healthy habits that can last a lifetime” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Heart Association
“The Association for Experiential Education is thrilled to see that the historic EXPLORE Act has passed. Experiential Educators are frequently turning to the outdoors to host programs, where creative play, adventure and curiosity flourish. Increased equitable access to nature will not only support the emotional, social and physical growth of individuals, but it will empower more students and learners to grow into stewards of the environment, influencing generations to come,” said Anna Miano, Membership & Marketing Manager, Association for Experiential Education.
“At REI Co-op, we believe time outside is fundamental to a life well lived. The passage of the EXPLORE Act represents a landmark advancement in how America’s public lands and recreation infrastructure are stewarded, and a commitment to increasing opportunities for all people to enjoy time outside. Through increased resources for everything from long-distance trails to urban parks in historically disinvested communities, permit streamlining to programming helping our Veterans access the outdoors, this bill centers bipartisan solutions that increase equitable access to the outdoors,” said Alicia Harvie, Head of Community & Government Affairs, REI Co-op.
“This legislation will bring more green space and recreational opportunities to communities in need. Research confirms what our bodies and nature already understand: More time in outdoor spaces increases well-being,” said Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO of American Society of Landscape Architects. “Communities across the country need investment in welcoming, dynamic, and safe outdoor spaces. ASLA and our members stand ready to help: Landscape architects have deep experience in bringing people and nature closer together.”
“This is a rare bipartisan victory during a very divided time in our country. Congress found common ground to improve outdoor accessibility for communities everywhere. For neighborhoods without a park in walking distance, for people with mobility issues, for kids who have yet to experience our country’s natural wonders, the EXPLORE Act will improve the lives of families everywhere. ” said Jackie Ostfeld, Director of Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All Campaign. “By passing the EXPLORE Act, the Senate is bringing us another step closer to ensuring safe, affordable, and equitable access to our parks and public lands. One thing is clear, spending time outdoors is something we can all agree on.”
“The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) applauds the incredible impact of the Every Kid Outdoors Program and is grateful to Congress for passing the EXPLORE Act to protect this vital program and enshrine equitable access to our National Parks for hundreds of thousands of fourth graders and their families for generations to come,” said Sarah Bodor, Senior Director of Capacity Building, North American Association of Environmental Education.
“On behalf of NRPA and our more than 60,000 park and recreation professionals and advocates, we are celebrating the passage of Outdoors For All. This critical piece of legislation is a momentous win for the health of communities across the country. By providing equitable outdoor recreation opportunities, it will ensure future generations have access to high quality parks and green spaces—and all the life-enhancing benefits they bring to physical, mental, and social well-being. NRPA applauds Congress for passing this legislation and thanks our members, allies and partners for their tireless advocacy” said Kristine Stratton, President and CEO, National Recreation and Park Association.
“Since their launch, programs like the Every Kid Outdoors and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program have helped millions of children go out and enjoy the beauty of nature. That is why KABOOM!, which supports kids being able to engage in play and physical activity anywhere, applauds Congress for including them in the just passed EXPLORE Act,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM! “Nature and nature-based play are vital to a child’s healthy physical and mental development. Programs which reduce financial barriers to these activities are critically important to ensuring the equitable enjoyment and distribution of benefits of nature access that every child should experience. We want to thank the sponsors and other long-time Congressional champions of this legislation for prioritizing kids’ access to the outdoors.”
“As the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) seeks to create access and breakdown barriers to the resource by creating opportunities for new and diverse communities to experience the A.T., we recognize the impact that childhood experiences have in creating lifelong connections to nature. The ATC fully supports the Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act which breaks down barriers to access and allows families to experience our nation’s outstanding public lands,” said Rachel Lettre, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
“One of the biggest inequities facing urban America today is the lack of quality parks in underserved communities. We are thrilled to see Congress pass the EXPLORE Act which includes the first dedicated city parks program. The EXPLORE Act will help expand outdoor recreation access, provide job opportunities, and engage and empower youth in the communities that are most in need. Expanding access to city parks builds more resilient and equitable communities,” said Catherine Nagel, Executive Director at City Parks Alliance.
“The EXPLORE Act is a milestone achievement to ensure that outdoor recreation – a major driver of the U.S. economy – is accessible, inclusive and representative of all people,” said Paul Sanford, Director of Equitable Access Policy at the Wilderness Society. “While we are disappointed that the timing of Senate passage made it impossible to incorporate some key bipartisan improvements to the bill, the Wilderness Society is nevertheless excited that the EXPLORE Act is now headed to President Biden’s desk for his signature.”
“We are thrilled to see the outdoors bring people together and showcase the broad, bipartisan support for more recreation access. Passage of the EXPLORE Act through Congress, including the Outdoors for All Act, is a major victory for our collective work to foster equity in the outdoors and facilitate joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences.” said Nicole Zussman, President and CEO of Appalachian Mountain Club.
