Under Section 203 (k)(2) of Public Law 91-485, as amended (40 U.S.C. 484 (k)(2)), the National Park Service's Federal Lands to Parks Program conveys surplus federal land to communities, usually at no cost, for public park and recreation purposes. Over 1,400 properties, approximately 150,000 acres, have been transferred to state and local governments for parks and recreation areas since the program's inception in 1949. The Program also helps assure continued public access and stewardship of resources.

What We Do

The Federal Lands to Parks Program: Reviews land and facilities eligible for acquisition; identifies important natural, cultural, and recreational resources; assists the community in getting land from the federal government, from finding out, applying, and getting ownership; advocates on behalf of the community for acquisition of the appropriate land; and ensures permanent public recreational use and stewardship of the land conveyed for park use.

Program Results

By participating in the Federal Lands to Parks Program, communities throughout the nation have

• Expanded park and recreational amenities to play sports, improve quality of life, help revitalization efforts and attract businesses

• Protected open spaces, extended hiking trails, and opened boating and fishing access

• Preserved historical and natural resources such as forts and lighthouses, shorelines and wildlife habitat

• Converted abandoned military bases into widely used productive recreational asset

• Renewed a sense of community among neighbors through community gardens, senior and cultural centers, local parks, and other gathering places