Outdoor Recreation
California Updating Outdoor Recreation Plan
State Parks is working on the 2026-2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) which serves as a vision for public outdoor recreation grant priorities in urban and rural neighborhoods, cities, and regions.
Nevada to Host National Outdoor Recreation Conference
In May 2024, the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals will hold its national conference in Stateline, Nevada, offering opportunities to learn and network in the beautiful setting of Lake Tahoe.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Issues 2022 Grants
The organization awarded 25 grants for projects that promote outdoor recreation and access to trail facilities for underserved communities.
Road in D.C.’s Rock Creek Park to Stay Car-Free
The National Park Service has decided to make permanent a road closure that went into effect in April 2020.
Lawsuit Could Open Public Access to Colorado Rivers
Colorado is one of few U.S. states that has decided that private property owners supersede the public when it comes to access to rivers and streams.
The Great Outdoors—Sans Campfires
Regulators are increasingly requiring outdoor adventurers to enjoy wilderness excursions without the solace and warmth of a campfire, as the drought and heat of climate change leaves natural areas ready to spark and burn year-round.
America's Most Popular National Park Could Start Charging for Parking
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation's most visited and one of only a handful with no admission fee, could institute a parking fee to pay for much-needed maintenance.
Strong Public Support for Parks and Recreation Nationwide
The latest report by the National Recreational and Park Association (NRPA) offers insights into public perception and use of parks, revealing a high level of affinity.
Exploring the Outdoors in a Socially and Environmentally Responsible Manner
To travel ethically, visitors to national parks need to be more mindful and better understand the history of the parks and their impacts on these spaces and surrounding communities.
Parks Overwhelmed by Record Numbers of Visitors
Already understaffed and underfunded, the agencies that manage state and national parks are struggling to keep up with the spike in demand for outdoor recreation over the past year.
National Forests Were Highly Popular in 2020
New data shows more people than ever visited national forests and grasslands last year, according to a Forest Service report
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Outdoor Recreation
A new report commissioned by the Outdoor Industry Association offers valuable insights about Americans’ engagement in outdoor activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hiking For All: Making the Great Outdoors More Welcoming
Not everyone feels comfortable going for a hike. Various groups are working to break down barriers so that more people can experience the joys and benefits of being in nature.
Outdoor Recreation Boosted by the Pandemic
The pandemic brought droves of people to Wisconsin’s outdoors, resulting in crowds on trails and at camp sites as well as a growth in the outdoor recreation and manufacturing economy.
Water Recreation Brings $18 Billion Annually to Colorado
Water recreation is an important contributor to the state's economy. A recent report found that water-related activities contribute an annual $18 billion to the state's economy.
Advocacy to Protect Borderlands Areas Lagging
Construction of a border wall would have grave social and environmental consequences, but retailers with clout are not stepping up as they have when other places have been threatened.
Increased Outdoor Recreation Comes at a Cost
The rapidly declining number of elk around Vail, Colorado reveals the impacts of the increasing population of outdoor recreation.
E-Bikes and Open Space Trails
Jefferson County, Colorado, an outdoor recreation paradise located between Denver and the Front Range, will begin allowing electric-assist bikes (e-bikes) on its trails.
The Vast Economic Footprint of the Outdoor Recreation Industry
The outdoor recreation industry grew faster in 2016 than the rest of the U.S. economy.
High Bacteria Levels Require a New Approach to Los Angeles River Recreation
The city of Los Angeles created a new plan to notify the public about high levels of E.coli in the Los Angeles River after kayakers were exposed to E.coli earlier this fall.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Berkeley County
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
Ada County Highway District
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
