New Mass. agency will work to enhance outdoor recreation

In Massachusetts, when the great outdoors beckons, residents will be able to find things to do and places to do them in more easily thanks to the establishment of the new state Office of Outdoor Recreation.

The office, which is to be housed under the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will have a primary focus of ensuring that all residents and visitors can experience the economic, environmental, social and healthful benefits of being outdoors.

“I’m very pleased the administration has embraced the concept,” said state Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, co-chairperson of the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Caucus, who has been one of the key supporters of the new agency.

Local legislators join Baker, Polito at Wachusett Mountain

Local legislators joined Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito at Wachusett Mountain ski area Monday in Princeton to announce the formation of the office.

The new agency will work alongside other state agencies that also have a stake in promoting the great outdoors, including departments like Fish and Game, Conservation and Recreation, the Office of Travel and Tourism and the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership.

“Outdoor recreation is a consistent economic driver for communities throughout the commonwealth, creating jobs and supporting small businesses,” said Polito, who recited some of the amenities Massachusetts has to offer, from beaches to historic parks, ski trails and hiking trails.

“This office will promote collaboration between local communities, outdoor business and the commonwealth expanding these opportunities even further.”

Baker said the new office will "help us continue to enhance this growing sector by partnering with engaged and passionate stakeholders. From the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands, the commonwealth is home to a range of recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors."

Designed to coordinate outdoor recreation policy on a state level, the office will find and address funding opportunities to enhance and expand existing programs and infrastructure, support the recreation economy, advance equity and access while it promotes the state as a “great place to work, live and enjoy the outdoors.”

Outdoor recreation in Massachusetts grew 24% in the past year, said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.

Boating a prime economic engine in state

One sector alone, recreational boating on salt- and freshwater, contributed $4 billion to the state’s economy, said Randall Lyons, executive director of the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association. The industry employs some 20,000 people, circulating dollars spent by residents as well as funds spent by tourists visiting the Bay State.

“Massachusetts consistently ranks as a top quality-of-life state in the nation," said Jon Schaefer, CEO of several mountain resorts, including Charlemont's Berkshire East ski area and Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort, and the Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale, New York. "From seashore to mountaintops, there are a diversity of landscapes, environments, people and organizations to explore. Tying these together and telling the right story will be a significant benefit to our wonderful state."

The Massachusetts ski industry provides thousands of jobs to residents of all ages and creates opportunities for people to have fun close to where they live and work, said Jeff Crowley, CEO of Wachusett Mountain ski area.

“Skiing and other outdoor sports are more than hobbies in Massachusetts, they are multigenerational activities that are part of our tradition," Crowley said, adding that the time spent outside, in the beauty of the mountains, brings people closer together.

Gobi said many Massachusetts organizations, private and public, are invested in the environment and outdoor recreation, but they are “all doing their own thing. This office will bring them together.”

The administration has funded the office for the fiscal year at $320,000, a budget that includes the director’s salary, operational expenses, and consulting fees. The office is looking to hire a director.

Kevin Bailey, director of parks and recreation in Medford, said he was excited to learn of the new agency.

“It’s a great office to have for the state,” Bailey said, noting that the importance of outdoor recreation was underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s such an important thing to have outdoor recreation. People are looking for more opportunities.”

Bailey is confident that the benefits of having an umbrella office to promote opportunities statewide will trickle down to the local level.

“Many of Medford’s local parks are leased from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation,” Bailey said.

Similar offices elsewhere

Massachusetts joins 17 other states in creating a similar office.

Gobi was adamant about ensuring that these opportunities be made available across the board, noting that nearby hiking trails are useless if they cannot be accessed by residents.

“People of all abilities want to enjoy all that Massachusetts has to offer,” Gobi said. “This focus to join together so many diverse agencies, business, private and public entities will bring a renewed spirit of adventure and enjoyment.”

"We have to connect people to the trails," Gobi said, and connect people to opportunities for outdoor recreation. These connections must be across the board, regardless of physical abilities, income levels or where someone lives.

"Building partnerships to support outdoor recreation is critical to a vibrant 21st-century economy and high quality of life in Central Massachusetts and every corner of the state,” said state Sen. John J. Cronin, D-Leominster. “I'm grateful to the Baker-Polito administration for their leadership and vision to create this office.”

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Polito announces creation of Mass. Office of Outdoor Recreation