Gov. Kim Reynolds announces new Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation
Iowa governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, effective Monday at Lake Ahquabi State Park. The new office, within the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Tourism Office, aims to expand outdoor recreation, attract visitors, and bolster the state’s image as a premier destination. It will finance projects through private funding and state matching funds and market state spaces and events to residents and national audiences. Reynolds cited outdoor recreation contributing nearly $6 billion to Iowa’s GDP annually and supporting about 50,000 jobs across all 99 counties. A 10-member task force will report in 120 days, and the Parks Passport app for 2026 was announced to incentivize park visits with prizes.
