DNR
Home PageINPUT STILL SOUGHT FOR FUTURE OF MISSOURI STATE PARK SYSTEM
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JAN. 28, 2008 -- There is still time for interested individuals to provide input to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources about the future of the state park system. Because of so much interest in the subject, the deadline for input has been extended until March 1.
Missouri's state park system has a proud history of more than 90 years. Now, the department is looking ahead to the second century of state parks by soliciting ideas to see what challenges and trends must be met and how to meet them over the next 10 years. As a part of this process, the department is asking the public for input on these challenges.
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, constituents and citizens 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 until March 1, and these ideas will be incorporated into the list.
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).
