Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Celebrates Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable celebrated today’s announcement by Arizona State Parks & Trails to establish a full-time program administrator for the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation. Arizona’s office—the 24th of its kind nationwide—will help bolster the Grand Canyon State’s efforts to utilize outdoor recreation as a tool for quality of life, public health, and economic growth.  Outdoor recreation generates $11.7 billion for Arizona’s economy, is 2.5 percent of its GDP, and creates 106,571 jobs, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. 
 
Arizona’s announcement today highlighted that the new office, led by Neil Large, will “position Arizona’s outdoor offerings as a top choice for residents, visitors and industry partners while ensuring businesses, land managers and other stakeholders are empowered and all the beautiful state assets are conserved for future generations to enjoy.” The office will continue to receive support and coordination from the Arizona Office of Tourism to further its efforts, which are guided by five pillars: Environmental Conservation & Stewardship; Education & Workforce Development; Economic Development; Exercise, Health & Wellness; and Equity, Access & Inclusion.  

“With today’s announcement, Arizona is demonstrating leadership in recognizing that Arizona’s $11.7 billion outdoor recreation economy provides economic, health, and community benefits for everyone in the Grand Canyon State,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. "On behalf of organizations across the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy, we are so excited for all that is in store outdoors for Arizona’s residents, outdoor businesses, and visitors alike.” 

"The Confluence of States is excited to welcome Neil Large and Arizona’s Office of Outdoor Recreation as the 24th such office around the country," said Katherine Andrews, Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. "This significant milestone strengthens the bond between neighboring Confluence members - Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah - and highlights the growing recognition of outdoor recreation's essential role in our communities. The outdoor industry continues to be a vital driver for our local, state, and federal economies, fostering job creation and enhancing quality of life. Arizona's office will work across all state agencies and stakeholders to develop innovative strategies to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the great outdoors. We look forward to continuing our collective work alongside Arizona." 
 
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable supports state directors and state offices of outdoor recreation and helps create new offices of outdoor recreation through access to data, resources, and communications tools for recreation leaders across the country. More information on ORR’s state outdoor recreation programmatic priorities can be found on their website.