DNR
Home PageMISSOURI STATE PARK SYSTEM SEEKS VISION FOR ITS SECOND CENTURY
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., NOV. 5, 2007 -- The Missouri state park system has a proud history of more than 90 years. Now, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is looking ahead to the second century of state parks by soliciting ideas for the next 10 years to see what challenges and trends must be met and how to meet them. As a part of this process, the department is asking the public for input on these challenges.
The Missouri state park system was created in 1917 and today includes 83 state parks and historic sites plus the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry. Its mission is to preserve the state's most outstanding natural features and cultural landmarks while providing outstanding recreational opportunities.
"We know that the state park system has had an exceptional history, but what about the future? How will we meet the challenges of maintaining and preserving our state parks and historic sites while still providing needed recreation for our citizens and visitors?" said Doug Eiken, director of the department's Division of State Parks. "To remain a viable state park system, we must continue to look ahead."
To meet the challenges of the park system's second century of existence beginning in 2017, the department has begun what it calls the "visioning" process. The process began with meetings and workshops with park staff and constituents brainstorming about long-range planning. Discussions included topics such as social, economic and recreation trends and how these trends will affect the state park system. The issues and ideas were collected in a document that will remain flexible as trends change and challenges are met or refined.
The ideas were collected under six main topics: staff training and expansion; funding; new or expanded facilities; programs and event expansion; diversity initiatives; and marketing and promotions. The main ideas in each category plus ideas from meetings and letters from staff are now on the Web. The public is asked to go online at www.mostateparks.com/visioning.htm and comment on ideas in each of the six categories. The Web site will remain up through Jan. 31, 2008, and these ideas will be incorporated into the list.
"It is important for us to know what our constituents think about our state park system and what they feel needs to be addressed in the future," Eiken said. "This document will help guide us toward the second century of Missouri state parks."
For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit www.mostateparks.com or call the Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).
