Tourism is Oklahoma’s third-largest industry, and in 2021 it supported 3,000 of the jobs in rural communities.
A study conducted Oct. 23 before the Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee examined the economic impact of state parks on the economy and the state of disrepair in the parks.
The study was organized by State House Rep. Tammy Townley, R-District 48, Ardmore.
Shelley Zumwalt, executive director of Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, laid out the grim facts regarding deferred maintenance in state parks.
“It’s time to ensure our parks are here for generations to come,” Zumwalt said. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to remove the cap on our capital projects and promotional fund, and to find a source of funding to tackle the Capitol and deferred maintenance needs our parks desperately need.”
According to Zumwalt, the state park system has $1 billion in assets and less than $10 million to support the maintenance needs of the parks.
During the administration of former Gov. Mary Fallin, taxes were cut, which created a deficit, and as a result, a cap was imposed on state parks of $5.75 million for promotions and $9 million on capital projects.
“That cap remains in place, despite the state seeing a record surplus,” said OTRD Director of Communications Chase Horn.
The value of the state park assets is $1 billion, with a list of deferred maintenance to the tune of $350 million, Chase said.
According to Chase, Sequoyah State Park generates revenue from direct visitor spending of $12.4 million, supports 140 jobs, and generates $900,000 in state and local taxes.
Tenkiller brings in $10.9 million in revenue from visitors, supports 120 jobs, and generates $823,000 in state and local taxes.
State Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-District 9, strongly believes the Legislature should invest in the state parks.
“The biggest needs in the state parks are infrastructure improvements: water, sewer improvements and structural repairs.” Pemberton said. “Many of our parks’ RV hookups are antiquated and need massive upgrades.”
Pemberton said he doesn’t know of an area in the parks that doesn’t need a facelift.
“As for cost to Oklahomans [to utilize the parks], we learned our lesson regarding fees. Entrance fees can not sustain the parks or provide revenue needed to upgrade and improve the parks system,” Pemberton said.
An infusion of state dollars and a state financial commitment for years to come is needed if Oklahoma is going to compete with Arkansas, Texas and other surrounding states, Pemberton said.
Zumwalt brought to the attention of the members that Arkansas, with one of the lowest budgets, has allocated $20 million for state parks. She is asking the Legislature to remove the caps from both the promotions fund and the capital projects.
Cherokee County Democratic Party Chair Yolette Ross said the state parks are a valuable natural resource.
“But if they are going to continue to provide an economic boost, financially, more taxpayer money should be directed to their coffers, funding [those] assets in repairing degrading roads, gas and water lines, decks and cabins, along with improving hiking trails and campsites,” Ross said.
Craig and Rachel Rittenhouse, owners of RittenHouse of Catering, expressed their wish lists for additional options for families at state parks. The couple and their children like to camp in the parks.
“Cherokee Landing is the one we go to most,” Rachel said. “I think activities like having a marina that will keep campers there at the site would bring in more locals, and had kayak rentals, or a fishing dock.”
Craig said there is nothing on Tenkiller Lake to fish off of, and a boat slip or a boat is needed.
“Or you fish off of the bank. There’s no docks to fish on or you get in trouble,” Craig said.
Rachel said that Lake Murray State Park has paddle boat rentals, inflatables, and a splash pad. So does Greenleaf Lake State Park, she said.
“We have young children, and [activities without] the price of renting a pontoon – I think that would be a big draw,” Rachel said.
During the TDP Saturday Forum on Facebook Oct. 28, the question was posed, “Do you believe Oklahoma should invest more money in its state parks?”
“I’m a huge fan of state parks if I’m camping solo. I like the fact that rangers patrol the area so I feel a little safer,” wrote Stephani Kaufman Bayhylle. “Some state parks are better than others. Greenleaf and Robbers Cave [State Park] are wonderful, with updated, clean showers and toilets. Cherokee Landing State Park and Sequoyah State Park are severely lacking in that area. I’m for investing in state parks as long as there is accountability for any improvements.”
Another commenter, Tahlequah resident David Watts, said it should be free to get into the state parks.
“If you have kids and no money, you should still be able to go to a state funded park,” Watts said.
What you said
An informal poll on the TDP website asked people if they believe Oklahoma should invest more money in its state parks. A resounding 70.6% said yes, absolutely; 11.8% answered yes, but those most important to tourism should get the bulk of the money; 2.9% said no, except for the few that need it the most; those who said no money should be invested in the parks came in at 1.8%; and 11.8% said the parks should be closed and/or sold.
Read more
For more reader comments on state parks, to to www.facebook.com/tdpress and scroll down to the Oct. 28 Saturday Forum.
