On October 9, 2024, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) celebrated Arizona's announcement to establish a full-time program administrator for the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation, marking it as the 24th such office in the United States [83b3dc68]. This new office aims to enhance the role of outdoor recreation in improving quality of life, public health, and economic growth within the state. The outdoor recreation sector contributes significantly to Arizona's economy, generating $11.7 billion, which accounts for 2.5% of the state's GDP, and creating over 106,000 jobs [83b3dc68].
Neil Large has been appointed to lead the new office, which will focus on five key pillars: Environmental Conservation & Stewardship, Education & Workforce Development, Economic Development, Exercise, Health & Wellness, and Equity, Access & Inclusion [83b3dc68]. Jessica Wahl Turner, the President of ORR, highlighted the economic and community benefits that outdoor recreation brings, emphasizing its importance in fostering a healthier population and a more vibrant economy. Katherine Andrews, Chair of the Confluence of States, welcomed the establishment of the office as a significant milestone for collaboration among states in promoting outdoor activities and their associated benefits [83b3dc68].
In related news, the University of Arkansas (U of A) has joined ORR as an education member, providing faculty, staff, and students access to ORR's extensive network of recreation associations and businesses [19022311]. U of A's partnership with ORR aims to prepare students for the recreation economy through immersive opportunities. The university's focus on outdoor recreation includes programs like the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) and infrastructure like the UREC Outdoors shop. Arkansas' outdoor recreation economy generated $4.1 billion in 2022, supporting over 43,000 jobs [19022311].
Additionally, the GORP program is set to expand statewide with a $1.2 million grant, matched by $1 million from the State of Arkansas, to foster the outdoor recreation economy in designated opportunity zones [45aaa3be]. This initiative will provide business development workshops and mentorship to entrepreneurs in these communities, further enhancing the state's outdoor economy.
Ozark Green Roofs, founded by landscape architect Emily Porter, is also contributing to sustainability in Arkansas by designing and maintaining green roofs that help mitigate urbanization's impact [ee87d824]. The company has installed numerous green roofs across the state, promoting environmental benefits such as insulation and biodiversity.
In another development, the Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents has approved plans for new facilities at the OSU Agronomy Research Station, aiming to enhance agricultural research and support the state's agricultural industry [8261c603]. This project is part of a broader effort to address the significant infrastructure needs reported by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, which estimates $11.5 billion in repairs and renovations are required at schools authorized to receive USDA research funding [8261c603].