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This bill would change the mission of the National Park Service so it is not only about protecting park areas, but also about encouraging the active use of park sites in cities. In simple terms, it would support making urban park spaces more useful and welcoming for everyday public activities like play, exercise, community gatherings, and recreation. The bill also defines what “active use” means and what counts as an “urban area.”
It adds “promote active use of System units located in urban areas” to the National Park Service’s mission.
“Active use” is defined as use that focuses on people’s current enjoyment and quality of life.
Examples of active use include playgrounds, paths for walking and biking, sports and recreation facilities, community events, programs, and concessions.
“Urban area” is tied to the official census definition used by the Secretary of Commerce.
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Current Full Text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1429 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1429
To expand the mission of the National Park Service to include active
use of System units located in urban areas, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 18, 2025
Ms. Norton introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To expand the mission of the National Park Service to include active
use of System units located in urban areas, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Activating National Parks in Cities
Act''.
SEC. 2. ACTIVE USE OF SYSTEM UNITS IN URBAN AREAS.
Title 54, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In section 100101(a), by inserting ```, and to promote
active use of System units located in urban areas'' before the
final period.
(2) In section 100102, by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Active use.--The term `active use' means use that
prioritizes current enjoyment by people and improves quality of
life, and includes playgrounds, pedestrian- and bicycle-
friendly infrastructure, sports and recreation facilities,
community events, programming, and concessions.
``(8) Urban area.--The term `urban area' means an area that
has been defined and designated in the most recent decennial
census as an `urban area' by the Secretary of Commerce.''.
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