Community Input Needed for Outdoor Recreation Survey
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), in conjunction with South Dakota State University (SDSU), is in the process of updating the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). As you may be aware, the SCORP is a statewide recreation plan encompassing municipal, county, state, federal and even private recreation opportunities. The plan examines how best to meet the needs of our citizens to provide quality, accessible, outdoor recreational facilities in our state. The SCORP takes a look at the most recent trends, data, opinions and collaborations. The document is updated every five years and is required to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars. Many of you have benefited from these matching grant funds, administered by GFP for the state of South Dakota, for your trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, playgrounds and other outdoor recreation opportunities in your communities. For more information on the SCORP visit http://gfp.sd.gov/agency/partnerships/docs/scorp.pdf.
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In mid-August, you should have received an email request for your community’s help in gathering information to plan for these outdoor recreation opportunities across the state of South Dakota. Many of you have been involved in this process in the past, as the SCORP is updated every five years. As part of the SCORP update, GFP and SDSU are surveying city, county, state, federal, non-profits and other providers of outdoor recreation opportunities. The information we gather will help determine supply, demand, challenges and opportunities for outdoor recreation across the state and the resulting plan is often used to support investment in projects and grants statewide. GFP invites you to participate in the survey to share your experiences and perspectives on outdoor recreation in South Dakota. Your voice is an important part of assisting your community in planning for the future. Once the survey is complete and the SCORP is updated, the information gathered from across the state will be available to your community to use in support of projects in your community and region.
SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES
