Norton Introduces Bill to Expand Mission of National Park Service to Include Active Use of Urban Parks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to expand the mission of the National Park Service (NPS) to include active use of NPS parks in urban areas in addition to preservation. The idea for the bill came from a George Washington University report that examined strategies to create a more activated park system in D.C., which noted that NPS parks in D.C. are “inconsistently managed and inequitably maintained” and “do not meet the needs of people who both live near and experience the park system as a part of their daily lives.”

“NPS’s primary mission is to preserve spaces for the enjoyment of future generations. This noble mission was crafted for the purpose of wilderness preservation, allowing nature to remain untouched by time. However, this mission is ill-suited for the unique needs of NPS neighborhood parks,” Norton said. “This bill would expand the mission of NPS to include the promotion of active use of its parks located in urban areas. Active use prioritizes current enjoyment by people and improves quality of life, including with playgrounds, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, sports and recreation facilities, community events, and programming for public holiday celebrations.”

Norton’s introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

On the Introduction of the Activating National Parks in Cities Act

February 18, 2025

Today, I introduce the Activating National Parks in Cities Act, which would expand the mission of the National Park Service (NPS) to include active use of National Park System units in urban areas.  This bill would address the unique needs of NPS neighborhood parks. 

NPS’s primary mission is to preserve spaces for the enjoyment of future generations.  This noble mission was crafted for the purpose of wilderness preservation, allowing nature to remain untouched by time.  However, this mission is ill-suited for the unique needs of NPS neighborhood parks.  In addition to grand national parks, NPS also owns neighborhood parks in urban areas. For example, more than 20 percent of land in the District of Columbia consists of parkland, and NPS owns nearly 90 percent of it, over two-thirds of which consists of neighborhood parks, smaller than one acre.  These parks could benefit from activation. 

A report issued in 2023 by George Washington University’s Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness examined strategies to create a more equitable and activated park system in D.C. As the report notes, NPS parks in D.C. “do not meet the needs of people who both live near and experience the park system as a part of their daily lives.” 

            This bill would expand the mission of NPS to include the promotion of active use of its parks in urban areas.  Active use prioritizes current enjoyment by people and improves quality of life, including playgrounds, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, sports and recreation facilities, community events, programming and concessions. This expanded mission would only apply to parks in areas that have been defined and designated as “urban” in the most recent decennial census by the Secretary of Commerce and would not impact wilderness areas. 

            I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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