Activating National Parks in Cities Act
The Activating National Parks in Cities Act would amend the National Park Service’s governing statute (Title 54 of the U.S. Code) to explicitly expand the National Park System’s mission to include “active use” of system units in urban areas. It defines active use to cover activities and facilities such as playgrounds, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, sports and recreation facilities, community events, programming, and concessions. It also defines urban areas for purposes of the bill as those areas designated as urban by the latest decennial census (as identified by the Secretary of Commerce). In short, the bill directs the National Park Service to prioritize and promote lively, activity-based use of urban national park units, rather than focusing solely on preservation or passive enjoyment.
Key Points
- 1Expands the National Park Service mission to explicitly include active use of system units located in urban areas.
- 2Defines “active use” to include playgrounds, walking/biking infrastructure, sports and recreation facilities, community events, programming, and concessions.
- 3Defines “urban area” as areas designated as urban in the most recent decennial census, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce.
- 4Signals a shift toward more programs, facilities, and activities designed to engage city residents and visitors within urban park units.
- 5Allows (or encourages) broader use of urban park units, potentially through partnerships, events, and concessions, while anchoring the authority in the statutory mission.