Bipartisan Approval in Congress for the National Park Service Centennial Act

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The National Parks Service is $12 billion behind in needed repairs to park infrastructure, such as deteriorating trails, buildings, and structures in our national parks.

In December 2016, the House and the Senate approved the National Park Service Centennial Act (H.R. 4680) to help address the $12 billion maintenance backlog by leveraging federal funds with private dollars for visitor-oriented projects; establishing dedicated funding for an endowment; and providing educational programs and opportunities for youths to serve and learn.

Public-private partnerships have been successful in leveraging funds over the last two years. Congress committed to a federal match of $25 million, which raised twice that in private donations for the National Park Service (NPS).

Parks play a vital role in health.

In order to improve physical and mental health, it is important that NPS funds are equitably distributed to ensure that undeserved communities are aware of and have access to parks.

For example, the NPS is diversifying their marketing and outreach efforts to include historically excluded Latinos at Saguaro National Park in Arizona.

The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) is turning to data for innovative strategies to improve public facilities and programs at the city level to reduce health disparities associated with lack of access to safe places to walk and play.