OKLAHOMA TOURISM AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

March 4, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leslie Blair

Office: (405) 230-8307

Cell: (405) 201-0732

Leslie.Blair@OklaTourism.gov

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Announces Park Closures

Today, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department announced the closure of seven state parks.  The parks will remain open through the summer season and will close on August 15.  The Department is facing budget cuts of at least five percent this legislative session.

The seven state parks and their locations are:

Adair State Park, Stillwell

Beaver Dunes, Beaver

Boggy Depot, Atoka

Brushy Lake, Sallisaw

Heavener Runestone, Heavener

Lake Eucha, Jay

Wah-Sha-She, Copan

"The decision to close these parks was a difficult but necessary one,” said Deby Snodgrass, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.  "We are facing budget cuts of at least five percent – on top of a 13 percent cut last year. These closures will help ensure the long-term viability of the park system in Oklahoma."

OTRD is working with the affected communities about potential partnerships.  "We are reaching out to community and tribal leaders to discuss partnership opportunities," said Snodgrass.  "We hope that we can find partners that would be willing to keep these facilities open for the public to have access to recreational opportunities."

There are 10 employees that will be affected by these closures and will be transferred to other facilities.  There will be no layoffs or reduction in force to the employees in the park system.

These closures will result in a savings of almost $700,000 per year.

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) is working to advance the exceptional quality of life in Oklahoma by preserving, maintaining, and promoting our natural assets and cultural richness. The department is the steward of the state park system and also promotes Oklahoma as a travel destination through many award-winning programs. To learn more about Oklahoma’s unique events and attractions, please visit www.TravelOK.com or follow us at Facebook.com/TravelOK or Twitter.com/OklahomaTourism.