Effective community engagement is critical for the long-term success of ORLP projects, and a criterion for selection in the merit review process. This page provides a range of resources to help incorporate community engagement best practices into your ORLP project.
National Park Service Community Engagement Resources
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA) assists communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats. This program also helps create outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors. NPS-RTCA does not provide financial assistance or monetary grants. They offer professional services, including community engagement, to help you achieve your conservation and outdoor recreation project vision.
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (U.S. National Park Service)
External Community Engagement Resources
National Recreation & Park Association – Community Engagement Resource Guide provides a roadmap to implement community engagement strategies around the planning, design, construction, maintenance and activation of park projects and park plans.
Community Engagement Resource Guide | Best Practice Resources | Publications and Research | NRPA
Trust for Public Land – Building Common Ground Toolkit is a public resource available to support community engagement in parks and green spaces. The toolkit can be used at any stage of a project.
Building Common Ground - Trust for Public Land
Institute for Local Government (ILG) provides a variety of resources for planning and implementing public engagement strategies, tailored for practitioners in local government.
Public Engagement - Institute for Local Government
International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) leads, advances and advocates for best practices in public participation. The IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation is designed to assist with the selection of the level of participation that defines the public’s role in any public participation process. IAP2 also offers professional training courses and free public webinars.
IAP2 USA - International Association for Public Participation
Last updated: August 19, 2026