Office of Outdoor Recreation

U.C.A. 63N-9

The Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR) embodies the state’s ongoing commitment to outdoor recreation as both an economic driver and a way of life . OOR works to promote Utah as the top state for the outdoor products and recreation opportunities that enhance quality of life .

OOR’s guiding vision is to ensure that all Utahns can live a healthy, active life through outdoor recreation. The office supports this vision through various speaking engagements, sharing best practices and, most importantly, providing resources to support infrastructure and youth outdoor programs .

FY 2016 Summary

Projects. One major focus in FY 2016 was the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (formerly Waypoint Grant), and OOR saw tremendous success in its second year . In collaboration with EDCUtah, OOR was also able to help facilitate the recruitment of outdoor recreation companies to Utah .

Events. The Office of Outdoor Recreation participated in both the Summer and Winter Market Outdoor Retailer Shows . By participating in panels and discussing issues within the outdoor recreation industry, the office was able to gather important feedback about the next steps for Utah’s success .

Legislation. With unanimous support from the House and Senate (HB52), the Utah legislature provided $1 million to the office for the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant, supporting infrastructure and youth programs statewide . • The Moab Bouldering Park, a first-round grant recipient, opened this fiscal year . Located just off Highway 191 and

Highway 128, the bouldering park provides a safe, easily accessible area for climbers to practice bouldering .

Moab Bouldering Park

Outcomes

• OOR, in partnership with EDCUtah and

GOED’s Corporate

Recruitment, assisted in recruiting three new outdoor brands to Utah: Selle Royal,

Cotopaxi and SIA . • During FY 2016, at least six non-outdoor companies indicated outdoor recreation as one of the factors in selecting Utah as a business location: SolarCity, Stadler Rail, Alces Technology,

SoFi, Peek Travel and Press Ganey . • OOR convened stakeholders and supported a rapidly growing outdoor recreation industry . According to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA),

Utah’s outdoor recreation industry is worth $12 billion and supports approximately 122,000 jobs . • According to OIA, 82% of Utahns participate in some form of outdoor recreation .

Moving Forward

With the support of the Utah legislature, the inaugural round of the Utah Outdoor Recreation grant was a rousing success, receiving more than $13 million in total project requests. The office looks forward to working with the state legislature to expand opportunities for the grant to have continued, meaningful impact, particularly in youth programs, in the coming year .

In addition, OOR intends to further develop the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant and compile initial ideas for the 10-Year Utah Outdoor Recreation Plan . To help solicit input about the content of the Recreation Plan, OOR will hold regional recreation summits (Ogden, Cedar City, Moab), attend speaking engagements, travel statewide and coordinate with the marketing and communications team to raise awareness .

For additional information about the Utah Outdoor Recreation Office visit www .business .utah .gov or contact Tom Adams, Director tomadams@utah .gov or 801-538-8873