Office of Outdoor Recreation
Overview
The Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation supports statewide outdoor recreation opportunities through partnerships, promotion, and sustainable development. Our focus is creating inclusive, long lasting outdoor experiences that benefit Arizona residents, our visitors, and future generations. By connecting communities, businesses, tribes, and government agencies, we aim to enhance access to Arizona’s diverse landscapes while fostering economic development, conservation, and a love of the outdoors.
This office is housed within Arizona State Parks and Trails, giving us quick access to in-house grant programs, existing partnerships, and established programming that supports outdoor initiatives across the state. Working collaboratively with the staff of experienced outdoor professionals at state parks will enhance Arizona's outdoor spaces while expanding recreation opportunities statewide. Through these resources, we can drive sustainable growth and ensure that residents and visitors alike have access to diverse and lasting outdoor experiences.
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Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Arizona’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) serves as a critical roadmap for the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation. This comprehensive report provides valuable data and insights into outdoor recreation trends, needs, and opportunities across the state. By leveraging SCORP’s findings, we are able to align our initiatives with community priorities, ensuring that our efforts in conservation, education, economic development, and public health are data-driven and focused on long-term sustainability. SCORP guides us as we work to expand outdoor recreation access, enhance public engagement, and grow Arizona’s outdoor economy.
Focus Areas
Conservation & Stewardship
The Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation works across public, private, nonprofit, tribal, and government sectors to promote the conservation and stewardship of Arizona's natural and cultural resources. We facilitate public-private partnerships to enhance outdoor recreational access, infrastructure improvements, and conservation efforts. Educating and empowering the public on the importance of a healthy environment is at the core of our mission, because we believe that the vitality of Arizona's economy is directly linked to the health of its natural landscapes.
Education & Workforce Training
Our office is committed to supporting environmental and outdoor learning opportunities for all, fostering early and lifelong outdoor activity, career development, preservation, and advocacy. We promote workforce training programs that provide technical skills, grant writing assistance, enhanced business opportunities, as well as opportunities for leadership roles in the outdoor industry, with a focus on empowering underrepresented and rural communities. By investing in the next generation of outdoor leaders, we help ensure that Arizona's outdoor recreation economy remains robust and inclusive.
Economic Development
We collaborate with stakeholders across Arizona, including underrepresented and rural communities, to build and sustain a strong outdoor recreation economy. Our office works with federal, tribal, state, and local governments, as well as regional economic development organizations and nonprofit recreation advocacy groups, to attract, retain, and expand businesses in the outdoor sector. By addressing barriers that hinder business success, we help create a more equitable and prosperous outdoor economy.
Public Health & Wellness
Outdoor recreation is not just good for the economy, it’s also essential for public health and wellness. Our office partners with health and wellness stakeholders to increase outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities. By quantifying the impact of outdoor access on individual and community well-being, we advocate for policies and programs that promote healthier, happier lives through connection with nature while also ensuring that outdoor opportunities are accessible and equitable to all types of users regardless of physical abilities.
Opportunity & Experience
We are committed to promoting safety, inclusion, and accessibility in all outdoor activities. By reducing barriers to experiencing nature and participating in outdoor recreation, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy Arizona’s incredible landscapes. Whether close to home or in beautiful, remote sections of our state, we strive to make outdoor experiences available to all Arizonans and our visitors.
Arizona Collaborative Outdoor Recreation Network (ACORN)
(Coming Soon!) The Arizona Collaborative Outdoor Recreation Network (ACORN) is a statewide partnership uniting government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to advance outdoor recreation, conservation, and sustainable tourism. Through ACORN, members collaborate on innovative projects, share resources, and address challenges that impact Arizona’s natural landscapes and communities. By fostering strong partnerships, ACORN helps enhance outdoor experiences, preserve Arizona’s natural beauty, and promote economic growth.
Get Involved
Through partnerships, promotion, and programs, the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation is dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of our natural landscapes are enjoyed by all, now and in the future. By recognizing the economic value of a healthy environment, we can continue to build a strong, sustainable outdoor recreation economy that enriches lives and supports communities across the state.
To learn more about our programs or to become directly involved in the enhancement of outdoor recreation throughout Arizona, contact Program Administrator Neil Large at nlarge@azstateparks.gov. Together we are making a difference.
