What is a SCORP and how does it affect splash pad funding?

Every state with an LWCF state-side allocation must produce a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every 5 years per National Park Service requirements. The SCORP analyzes the state's outdoor-recreation needs, demographic shifts, equity gaps, infrastructure deficiencies, and funding priorities. State grant programs — LWCF state-side, parks bonds, dedicated trust funds — score applications partly against SCORP priorities. If your state's current SCORP identifies, for example, 'park access in low-income urban communities' or 'water-recreation infrastructure for under-served populations' as priorities, splash pad applications addressing those gaps score significantly higher. Read your state's current SCORP (search '[state name] SCORP' or check the state parks department website) and quote priority language directly in your grant narrative. SCORPs also reveal future funding cycles and policy direction. Public-input phases for new SCORPs (every 5 years) are strategic moments to advocate for splash-pad inclusion as a recognized priority.