Tthe land and water conservation fund (lwcf) state and local assistance program provides matching grants to develop parks owned by states and local communities

The District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation received a $1.06 million project grant awarded on October 1, 2025, under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916), administered by the Department of the Interior National Park Service. The award funds capital improvements and infrastructure development at the Douglass Community Center to enhance public outdoor recreation facilities and amenities. The project will be completed by September 30, 2028, and is financed through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which is supported by offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal tax appropriations.

This project aligns with the District's outdoor recreation priorities and is designed to benefit the general public by improving accessible recreation resources and facilities within the community. As a matching grant program, LWCF funding supports the development of parks and recreational spaces owned by states and local jurisdictions identified in approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans, making this award part of a broader federal initiative to expand outdoor recreation opportunities across the nation.

Based on its outdoor recreation priorities, the state has selected grant projects to receive lwcf funding. Lwcf grants are made pursuant to 54 U.S.C. 2003 and are funded by offshore oil and gas lease revenue, not tax dollars. In this project, the district of columbia department of parks and recreation will make developments at douglass community center. This project will benefit the general public.