Arizona established the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR) this week. The office marks the 24th of its kind in the U.S. and will support the state’s efforts to use outdoor recreation as a tool for quality of life, public health and economic growth.
Outdoor recreation generates $11.7 billion per year and creates 106,571 jobs for Arizona’s economy.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President Jessica Wahl Turner said, “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.”
Neil Large will lead the new office, which will operate on five pillars including environmental conservation and stewardship; education and workforce development; economic development; exercise, health and wellness; and equity, access and inclusion.
Katherine Andrews, Confluence of States chairman and Arkansas OOR director, said the Confluence of States is eager to welcome the Arizona workplace.
“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,” Andrews said. “We look forward to continuing our collective work alongside Arizona.”
