Jan 9, 2025

[PRESS RELEASE] Millions in outdoor recreation grants available for New Mexico community urban parks

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Melanie A. Kenderdine , Cabinet Secretary Designate

Ben Shelton, Acting Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director

Contact:

Wendy Mason

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

NM State Parks Division

wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov

505-819-1785

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

505-629-2900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 9, 2025

Millions in outdoor recreation grants available for New Mexico community urban parks

Funding from $300,000 to $15 million targets underserved communities and conservation projects

SANTA FE – New Mexico State Parks is accepting applications for grants to improve parks, recreational programs, or conservation initiatives in urban and traditionally underserved communities across the state.

Grants range from $300,000 to $15 million and are funded by the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program , which is administered by the National Park Service under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.

The National Park Service has designated specific agencies in each state to review grant applications. In New Mexico, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) State Parks Division is filling that role.

State agencies, federally recognized tribes, local governments, and certain special purpose districts are eligible for the grants, which are expected to total up to $450 million nationwide. The application deadline is June 1.

“The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program is vital to addressing the need for more outdoor recreational spaces in underserved areas,” said EMNRD Sec. Designate Melanie Kenderdine . “These investments enhance the health, well-being, and quality of life of residents across New Mexico.”

Previous New Mexico ORLP grant recipients include the City of Albuquerque, which is using $1.3 million awarded in 2024 to help fund major upgrades to Mesa Verde Park in the city’s International District. The city used a previous ORLP grant to improve an all-inclusive children’s playground at its Officer Daniel C. Webster Park.

“We look forward to seeing applications for this program that empowers communities to create spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect with the outdoors,” said Toby Velasquez , director for New Mexico State Parks .

Find the current grant application package at Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number: P25AS00189. Submit all New Mexico applications through the State Parks Division by emailing Robert Stokes ( robert.stokes@emnrd.nm.gov ), alternate state liaison officer. For questions about the ORLP application process, contact:

Robert Stokes: 505-479-0911.

Nav Khalsa (LWCF program coordinator): 505-570-7942.

###

New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department . Our mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors.

Best regards,

Wendy Mason

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Records Custodian

NM State Parks Division

Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department

1220 S. St Francis Dr. | Santa Fe, NM 87505

Email: wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov | Web: www.emnrd.nm.gov

PH 505-819-1785 (c) | Toll Free 888-667-2757

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail, including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipient[s] and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, copying, disclosure or distribution is prohibited, unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender at once and destroy all copies of this message.