Explore Arizona’s Beauty, Empower its Future
From the snow-packed White Mountains to the saguaro-lined foothills of the Sonoran Desert and the serene sun dunes of Horseshoe Bend, Arizona is full of exceptional beauty and one-of-a-kind landscapes. These landscapes inspire adventure, foster connection, and enhance well-being. Yet, many of our communities face barriers to experiencing these treasures.
Need for
Outdoor
Access for All
Arizona’s state parks and public lands are vital to our economy, public health, and environment.
According to the National Park Service, the Grand Canyon National Park received 4.73 million visitors in 2023, and visitors spent $759 million in 2022. Yet, they face chronic underfunding and growing strain due to increased demand and limited resources. Moreover, many underserved youth and families lack access to the outdoor experiences that define Arizona’s character.
We need a solution that addresses these challenges, ensuring access to outdoor experiences, fostering future conservation leaders, and promoting responsible stewardship of Arizona’s natural and cultural resources.
A comprehensive approach must:
Provide outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved youth.
Foster the next generation of conservationists and outdoor industry leaders from underrepresented communities.
Promote stewardship of Arizona’s lands, waters, and cultural heritage.
Why It Matters:
The Four Key Impact Areas
Public Health
Access to parks and nature improves physical and mental health. Studies show:
Kids and adults with access to parks are more active, reducing risks of obesity and chronic diseases.
Time in nature lowers stress, boosts cognitive function, and enhances mood.
Close proximity to parks strengthens community connections and can even reduce crime.
Conservation
By fostering early connections to nature, the program nurtures lifelong stewardship:
People who grow up exploring the outdoors are twice as likely to give back to the land through conservation efforts.
Arizona’s 72 million acres of public lands provide critical habitats, clean water, and recreational spaces for generations to come.
Arizona is uniquely beautiful and was built upon outdoor traditions. It’s our shared responsibility to pass those experiences on to the next generation.
Education
Outdoor experiences inspire learning and academic success:
Students engaged in outdoor education show improved classroom performance and test scores, especially in science and math.
Access to green spaces boosts enthusiasm, motivation, and problem-solving skills.
Playing outside inspires creativity, builds confidence, and teaches responsibility.
Outdoor recreation that youth in rural communities are currently engaging in can be a source of opportunities and experiences for cultivating their STEM identities and career aspirations (U.S. National Science Foundation).
Economic Development
Investing in outdoor access strengthens Arizona’s economy:
Arizona's public lands are the bedrock of a robust outdoor economy, generating a staggering $21.2 BILLION in consumer spending annually (Outdoor Industry Association).
This economic engine supports over 201,000 jobs, providing $5.7 billion in wages and salaries while contributing $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Parks in rural areas generate vital income for local communities.
For some rural communities, the outdoor recreation ecosystem is integral to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning ecosystem that connects rural youth with STEM and STEM career pathways.
Be Part of the Solution
With your support, the Arizona Outdoors for All Coalition will work to transform lives while safeguarding our state’s natural treasures.
Together, we can ensure every child in Arizona has the opportunity to experience the beauty, joy, and health benefits of the great outdoors.
