Outdoor Recreation Roundtable applauded the announcement of Connecticut’s new Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, created through executive order by Governor Ned Lamont. This announcement marks the 21st State Office of Outdoor Recreation created across the United States. Outdoor recreation generates $4.6 billion for the Nutmeg State’s economy, is 1.4 percent of its GDP, and creates 45,776 jobs, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities open up more destination possibilities for RV and boat visits, which in turn highlights the need for more toy storage facilities. Currently, most areas of the country lack a sufficient amount of RV and boat storage facilities to meet the need. Simultaneously, sales of outdoor rec toys continues to increase, further emphasizing the need for storage facilities.
The state of Connecticut also announced the Partnership in Parks initiative, which will invite the private sector to submit concepts for outdoor recreation business opportunities in state parks to elevate outdoor recreation and visitor experiences in State Parks, expand tourism destinations and provide equitable and sustainable access to the outdoors.
“The new year is starting off on the right track with Connecticut’s new Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, which joins 20 other states in committing to support the outdoor recreation economy and its connection to public health, quality of life and economic competitiveness,” said Jessica Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.
“Our State Parks are among the best in the country and provide the setting for many memorable outdoor recreation experiences,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “There are so many wonderful ways to experience the outdoors in our state, and with this new Office and RFI, we look forward to discovering new ways to play in the outdoors in our beautiful state.”
