While Oregon is home to some of the top outdoor destinations in the country, not everyone who lives here gets a chance to visit them. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is launching a pilot program to close that gap this summer.
About 24% of Oregonians identify as non-white, and according to a state survey only about 12-13% get outdoors. The LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and people with low-incomes also don’t get out as often.
Director of Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation Cailin O’Brien-Feeny said everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the state’s coasts, parks, and forests.
“What we’ll be doing is waiving camping fees for a two night stay in cabins or yurts this summer across eight different state parks and the sights will go out to community groups that serve traditionally underrepresented groups,” he said.
The program is called the Park Explorer Series, and the idea is to break down some of the barriers for underrepresented groups, such as cost. Organizations have until March 6 to apply for the upcoming summer.
Copyright, KLCC 2020
