submissions of preliminary action programs that briefly define objectives, priorities, and implementation strategies for overall system recovery and maintenance and commit the applicant to a scheduled program development process. Following this interim period, all local applicants shall submit to the Secretary, as a condition of eligibility, a 5-year action program for park and recreation recovery that satisfactorily demonstrates—
- (1) systematic identification of recovery objectives, priorities, and implementation strategies;
- (2) adequate planning for rehabilitation of specific recreation areas and facilities, including projections of the cost of proposed projects;
- (3) the capacity and commitment to ensure that facilities provided or improved under this chapter shall continue to be adequately maintained, protected, staffed, and supervised;
- (4) the intention to maintain total local public outlays for park and recreation purposes at levels at least equal to those in the year preceding that in which grant assistance is sought except in any case where a reduction in park and recreation outlays is proportionate to a reduction in overall spending by the applicant; and
- (5) the relationship of the park and recreation recovery program to overall community development and urban revitalization efforts.
(b) Continuing Planning Process.—Where appropriate, the Secretary may encourage local governments to meet action program requirements through a continuing planning process that includes periodic improvements and updates in action program submissions to eliminate identified gaps in program information and policy development.
(c) Special Considerations.—Action programs shall address, but are not limited to—
- (1) rehabilitation of existing recreational areas and facilities, including—
- (A) general systemwide renovation;
- (B) special rehabilitation requirements for recreational areas and facilities in areas of high population concentration and economic distress; and
- (C) restoration of outstanding or unique structures, landscaping, or similar features in parks of historical or architectural significance; and
- (2) local commitments to innovative and cost-effective programs and projects at the neighborhood level to augment recovery of park and recreation systems, including—
- (A) recycling of abandoned schools and other public buildings for recreational purposes;
- (B) multiple use of operating educational and other public buildings, purchase of recreation services on a contractual basis;
- (C) use of mobile facilities and recreational, cultural, and educational programs or other innovative approaches to improving access for neighborhood residents;
- (D) integration of recovery program with federally assisted projects to maximize recreational opportunities through conversion of abandoned railroad and highway rights of way, waterfront, and other redevelopment efforts
