Mission

The Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) aims to be a leading national model for effective, collaborative, and sustainable management of outdoor recreation infrastructure. By leveraging municipal, state, federal, and private resources, the ORI is committed to creating a lasting legacy of well-preserved public recreation opportunities. Our goal is to provide a variety of recreational experiences that strengthen local communities and foster a deep connection between people and the great outdoors.

Program Goals

• Goal 1: To use the regional councils to plan, identify, and support improvements in outdoor recreation infrastructure that align with the Utah Strategic Outdoor Recreation Plan’s four cardinal directions.
• Goal 2: To use the regional councils to direct the creation of regional outdoor recreation strategic plans to guide regional funding from the ORI.
• Goal 3: To use the collaborative space created by the ORI to create positive connections between stakeholders, strengthen community and regional communication, and improve planning for small to large-scale recreation projects.

Regional Recreation Councils

The Regional Recreation Councils meet monthly. If you are interested in participating, please submit an application form by using the link below. 

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects will be reviewed by and receive final approval from the Outdoor Adventure Commission.

• Projects that exceed or are ineligible for the Division of Outdoor Recreation’s grant maximums
• New construction of outdoor recreation infrastructure
• Upgrades of outdoor recreation infrastructure
• Replacement of or structural improvements to outdoor recreation infrastructure
• Acquisition of land, a right-of-way, or easement used in relationship to outdoor recreation infrastructure
• Providing access from state highways to outdoor recreation infrastructure
• Costs associated with bringing new construction or upgrades of outdoor recreation infrastructure into environmental compliance

For community strategic planning and small NEPA expenses related to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure, please apply for funding through the Outdoor Recreation Planning Assistance program.

ORI Funding Priorities

1. Utah Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plan Alignment
2. Significant Scope
3. Benefit to Local Utah Communities
4. Addresses Overcrowding in recreational areas
5. Addresses the Underserved Communities
6. Cross-Jurisdictional
7. Addresses Backlogged Maintenance
8. Shovel-Ready Projects

Project Application Process

The Regional Recreation Councils meet monthly. Applicants are encouraged to submit their project interest forms by the end of the first week of each month in order to be reviewed by the Regional Recreation Council.

Project Approval Process: