PHOENIX –  Arizona State Parks and Trails has completed its draft of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The agency is now asking the public to provide input and feedback that will guide how federal and state outdoor recreation funds are distributed for the next five years.

This plan, created in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and Partners in Brainstorms, Inc., sets priorities for outdoor recreation across the state and determines how grant funding is allocated to local, regional, state, federal and tribal agencies, land managers, nonprofits and other community groups. Arizona State Parks and Trails currently administers grant funding from the State Lake Improvement Fund, Heritage Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Off-Highway Vehicle Fund and Recreational Trails Program.

Arizona State Parks and Trails, Partners in Brainstorms, and ASU reached out to residents through surveys and focused discussions over the course of seven months to learn more about what they like to do outdoors, what barriers keep them from doing these things, and what their priorities and concerns are related to outdoor recreation. To learn more about these discussions, visit azstateparks.com/scorp and azstateparks.com/scorp-land-managers. This information was used to create the 2023 SCORP, which will guide recreation providers in decision making about high-priority issues.

In addition to guiding Arizona State Parks and its grant funds distribution, the plan provides useful insight to stakeholders in all areas of outdoor recreation. Members of the public, policy makers, recreation providers, the media, and others can see what is important to residents when it comes to outdoor recreation. This information can help guide new projects, start new or strengthen existing partnerships and collaborations, and spur action to address pressing issues facing Arizonans.

Arizonans showed that they highly value outdoor recreation during the pandemic, and the number of visitors to parks and other outdoor spaces continues to rise. The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan can create a collective space that will advance other planning efforts and further the growth of the state’s outdoor recreation offerings. 

Please take time to review the draft plan and provide your input at azstateparks.com/scorp! Your feedback will ensure that the plan is meeting its goals and laying the groundwork for an outdoor future in the state.

Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, the trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Program and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com.

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov