Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. hosting 3 virtual open houses on draft Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will host three virtual open house sessions, Feb. 15, Feb. 29 and March 2, to discuss the draft Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for 2024-2028.

The five-year plan is a comprehensive look at Oregon’s outdoor recreation needs and priorities based on a survey of more than 3,000 people in a representative sampling of Oregon residents as well as a survey of recreation providers. The research was conducted in collaboration with Oregon State University. 

The primary purpose of the plan is to provide guidance for the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program and other Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant programs. Results also help guide federal, state, and local government, as well as the private and nonprofit sectors, in making policy and planning decisions. It also provides up-to-date, high-quality information to assist recreation providers with park system planning in Oregon.

The current draft plan, titled “Balance and Engagement: Sustaining the benefits for all Oregonians,” also takes a deeper dive in three areas: 

• Examining the benefits of outdoor recreation
• Balancing conservation and recreation
• Engaging with underserved communities

Residents can learn more about the draft plan during the three online open house sessions:

• Feb. 15, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 29, 6-7:30 p.m.
• March 2, 10-11:30 a.m.

Attendees can register at https://outdooreconomy.oregonstate.edu/scorp2024. The registration form includes an opportunity to request accommodations for accessibility. The meetings will include an overview of the draft plan and an opportunity to offer brief public comments, which will be included in the final draft. The goal of the open house is to gather public comments to ensure that the report is clear and relevant to users across the state.

The final draft of the 2024-2028 SCORP will be available in spring or summer of 2024 and include an official public review process. The final draft will be presented to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission with a request for its approval and also shared with the National Park Service for review. After any last revisions, the final plan is then sent to the U.S. National Park Service for adoption. 

Learn more about the 2024-2028 SCORP including the goals, benefits and research team at https://outdooreconomy.oregonstate.edu/scorp2024.