Outdoor Promise leads New York’s statewide coalition for outdoor recreation access, and runs the project that is turning its research into free tools for community groups.
The coalition
The New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition (NYORC) is a free, statewide coalition of more than 100 organizations, agencies and advocates working for fair outdoor recreation policy, funding and access in all nine regions of New York State. Outdoor Promise’s Executive Director, Ronald Zorrilla, chairs the coalition.
Why does a Newburgh environmental justice group do statewide work? Because the barriers our families face — no bus to the trailhead, no map of who to call, no funding for small groups — are the same ones community organizations face from Buffalo to the Bronx. NYORC is where those groups compare notes and push for change together.
Our role: project manager
Since August 2025, Outdoor Promise has served as Project Manager for NYORC’s Land Trust Alliance Conservation Catalyst project, a two-year effort (through September 2027) to put the recommendations of the Open Spaces for All report into practice. The goal is simple: connect underserved communities with the funding, permissions and partners it takes to get people outside.
What we are building, all free and public:
- Four toolkits for community groups: Funding Navigation · Legal, Permits & Insurance · Who to Call (a map of agencies and partners) · Youth Engagement Models.
- Research behind them: a statewide stakeholder map, a SWOT analysis, and a gap analysis against New York’s outdoor recreation plan.
- Four regional listening gatherings and a statewide survey, so the toolkits are built from real experience.
- A Newburgh case study and a Resource Hub on NYORC’s website, where the finished toolkits will be published in 2027.
Regional gatherings, fall 2026
Four free evening gatherings for anyone who runs, funds or wants to start outdoor programs in their community: nonprofits, hiking crews, youth groups, park friends, agency staff. Come tell us what gets in the way. Light refreshments provided.
- Capital District · Tue, Nov 10, 6:00–7:30 PM · Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar · Register free · details
- New York City · Thu, Nov 12, 6:00–7:30 PM · Roberto Clemente State Park, Bronx · Register free · details
- Lower Hudson Valley · Wed, Nov 18, 6:00–7:30 PM · Scenic Hudson Northside Hub, 58 Parker Ave, Poughkeepsie · Register free · details
- Western New York · date and place to be announced
Can't make a gathering? Take the survey.
Seven minutes, in English or Spanish. Your answers shape the toolkits.
¿Prefieres español? Responde la encuesta en español.
Join the coalition
Membership is free and open to organizations, agencies and individuals. Visit the NYORC website or sign up for the NYORC newsletter to hear about gatherings, the toolkits and the annual Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day.
Funded by the Land Trust Alliance New York State Conservation Partnership Program, in partnership with the Open Space Institute.
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