R.I. Outdoor Recreation Council releases interim report

THE RHODE Island Outdoor Recreation Council released its interim report on the state of recreation in Rhode Island. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND STATE PARKS
THE RHODE Island Outdoor Recreation Council released its interim report on the state of recreation in Rhode Island. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND STATE PARKS

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Outdoor Recreation Council has released its interim report on the state of recreation in Rhode Island.
The report outlines the strengths and challenges facing the state.
The state has an “outstanding network of outdoor recreational resources and programming,” something recognized nationally and internationally, which is among its strengths.
However, the report states that too few Rhode Islanders are regularly engaged in outdoor recreation activities, which is one of the challenges facing the state, as well as the fact that Rhode Island is not recognizing the outdoor recreation sector’s full economic potential.
The report states that barriers range from a lack of easy access to information about recreational resources and amenities to limited workforce development efforts in the recreation sector. It also said Rhode Island’s outdoor resources have not been sufficiently marketed or coordinated. In addition, street design and transportation limit access to recreational opportunities, it stated.

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo created the council, which includes government, community and industry leaders, in January to develop a strategy to promote the state’s outdoor recreation sector. Final recommendations that are expected to address the barriers outlined in the report will be presented by the council to the governor this fall.

“As Rhode Islanders, we are lucky we can enjoy so many beaches, parks and waterways right here at home,” Raimondo said in a statement. “But, as I said when I created the council, the state can do more to encourage the use of these resources and promote this critical sector of Rhode Island’s economy. This report shows that outdoor recreation has the potential to help fuel our state’s comeback. I look forward to seeing the council’s final recommendations on how best to increase opportunities for outdoor recreation across Rhode Island.”

The report said Rhode Island’s opportunities for outdoor recreation include hiking trails, bike paths and ocean beaches.

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“This report shows that while Rhode Islanders have lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, we can do more to increase access to and use of our natural resources,” Council Chair First Gentleman Andy Moffit said. “We’ve done a great job with preservation and facility development – now we need to focus on getting people from all walks of life outside and active.”

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