With final visitation numbers tabulated for the 2015 season, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails recorded an 8 percent increase in visitation for the year – a third straight record-setting year for the division in the Cowboy State.
However, the visitation numbers only tell a portion of the tale for 2015. Revenue generation was at an all-time high with a 10 percent increase over 2014.
In addition, 2015 was an award-winning year for the division. The division was one of four state park systems to be named a finalist for the National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal award for excellence. Four snowmobile trails were once again named “Best in the West.” The division’s law enforcement program won the Platinum Award from the Park Law Enforcement Association. Seven Parks and Historic Sites received the TripAdvisor Award of Excellence.
Last year was also the third consecutive year State Parks facilitated the internationally recognized Rev3 Cowboy Tough Adventure race.
To cap it off, Governor Mead was recognized for his support of Wyoming recreation, including Wyoming State Parks, as he was awarded the prestigious Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award from the American Recreation Coalition.
Wyoming State Parks also added new programming which included a Capital Campout aimed at a bilingual audience and assisted in establishing a “Youth Outdoor Bill of Rights” in cooperation with the public/private coalition, WY Outside.
“The amazing people in the state of Wyoming are the secret to our success” said Domenic Bravo, State Parks Historic Sites and Trails administrator. “The staff, our visitors, our partners, Governor Mead and the Wyoming State Legislature are a major reason we are recognized as one of the top state park systems in the country.”
With the beginning of the new year there are exciting memories waiting for you in Wyoming State Parks please stay up to date by visiting our website, wyoparks.org or by following us on our many social media channels.