Washington, D.C. — The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) welcomes the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation as its latest member, signaling a significant step forward in promoting outdoor recreation and bolstering the outdoor economy in the Bay State. This announcement follows the hiring of Paul Jahnige as the Commonwealth’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation in 2023, as well as the creation of the Massachusetts Inclusive and Accessible Events Grants Program, designed to advance inclusion and belonging across Massachusetts‘ recreation opportunities. Massachusetts joins 12 other state offices of outdoor recreation as members of ORR.
“It is an exciting day to bring Massachusetts into the fold as an ORR State Member,” said Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at ORR. “Director Paul Jahnige has wasted no time in developing forward-thinking initiatives to bolster the Bay State’s $11.8 billion outdoor recreation economy, and we are looking forward to supporting the Office’s future development and growth with research and industry partnerships.”
“Massachusetts is thrilled to join our industry, academic, and other state partners as a new member of ORR,” said Paul Jahnige, Director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). “ORR was instrumental in the creation of MOOR and has already provided incredible models and tools for us to use, including advocacy and rural development tools and training.”
The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, established by Governor Charlie Baker in 2022, aims to stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life, health, and well-being of residents and visitors across the Commonwealth. Now supported by the Administration of Governor Maura Healey in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Office focuses on three pillars: “Promote,” “Include,” and “Sustain” across a wide diversity of recreational activities.
ORR looks forward to collaborating closely with the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation to implement strategic initiatives that drive economic growth, help guarantee outdoor access for all, and improve public health in Massachusetts and beyond.
Academic institutions, organizations, and government entities interested in joining ORR and contributing to the advancement of the outdoor recreation economy are encouraged to contact orr@recreationroundtable.org for more information on membership and partnership opportunities.