. DE. Designed with our partners at Visit Widget, this tool provides a. 7. 17131 Park 10. AU. 6 billion in direct visitor spending, $708 million in local and state tax revenue and providing jobs for 103,600 Oklahomans in 2018. It offers products featuring the state's new brand and the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department brands. Family Fun. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced Monday that it has launched a new “Imagine That” tourism marketing campaign. 08/28/2022. Book your stay and see why Lake Thunderbird is one of central Oklahoma's most popular recreation areas. m. DE. 31: Sequoyah State Park, 19808 Park 10, Hulbert. E. Oklahoma Tourism Development Act. Maps for public use are free of charge at any of the Tourism Welcome Centers statewide, all ODOT division offices and the Tourism and Recreation Department warehouse. 52 Tourism Recreation Department jobs available in Oklahoma on Indeed. . Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree & Blackberry Farm 405-340-5488 | christmas-tree. OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association is the trade association of travel and tourism professionals across the state. Menu Brochures. Mike Osburn Phone: (405) 557-7360 -END-. Thank you for visiting the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Originally settled by a family of French-Choctaw origin, Durant boasts a unique combination of small-town charm and a highly celebrated Native American heritage in southern Oklahoma. Oklahoma, USA. so here with us today to break down some of those numbers and all the exciting things in our future is executive director shelly. Feb. The article states the department paid around $17 million to Swadley’s BBQ. La Ratatouille is. Local: 1-405-522-9500. Oklahoma's tourism agency is recovering from a “toxic environment” and suffers from a lack of financial checks and balances, according to its new executive director. CH. Back to top . The plan formerly known as the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) will. Family and Health. And now the new 2022 version is available. 6 $12. The action comes in response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of the state of Oklahoma in April after the. 4 $22. Nov 16 - Feb 4. This 54-mile route that twists and turns throughout the towering hardwoods and evergreen pines of the Ouachita National Forest. Founded during reconstruction after the Civil War, the city holds. Community and Culture. com. Newsletter. Officials say the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has paid $13 million to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants to renovate and run the Foggy Bottom Kitchens in certain Oklahoma state parks. Dine on everything from barbecue to gourmet cuisine at Oklahoma's homestyle cafes and fashionable restaurants. Wyoming Tourism | Wyoming Tourism Brochures 2011 |. Black Mesa takes its name from the layer of black lava rock that coated the mesa about 30 million years ago. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. The Tulsa Opera is proud to feature soprano Sarah Coburn in a. Read More. See full list on travelok. com Email: Information@TravelOK. Image courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department Worth a mention on its own, the Gathering Place is located along Tulsa’s waterfront and is easily one of the top Oklahoma attractions. The ORWA staff has worked to explore all options for having the. Order Free Oklahoma Travel Brochures and Maps Activities in Oklahoma Traffic Maps and Cameras Renew Your Vehicle Registration Tag Online Events in Oklahoma. OTRD officials believe this service will offer visitors more ease and convenience when it comes to their park stay. have gone out of their way to promote Shelley Zumwalt – the pretty new face and leader of the Oklahoma Travel and Tourism Department. TOTAL NUMBER OF UNNECESSARY, COSTLY, INEFFECTIVE, DUPLICATIVE OR OUTDATED REGULATIONS: 132. Pryor, OK 74361. “Imagine That,” the state’s official branding tagline, illustrates Oklahoma’s lifestyle-rich opportunities that inspire visitors to dream big. For general website feedback please contact the OMES Service Desk. Grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program are now available through the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. 2023 The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on Monday canceled its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q due to "suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices," the agency. UK. Local: 1-405-522-9500. UK. Rodeos. CH. If you have difficulty with this form, you may download and. Experience Oklahoma City, Tulsa and authentic hometowns along the Mother Road where you'll meet friendly people and find. welcome back in and bouncing back from the pandemic been a goal of the oklahoma department of tourism recreation. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Post Office Box 52002 Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002 (800) 652-6552 or (405) 521-2409 Stigler Chamber of Commerce 204 East. Forrest McMurray, former director of operations at the Executive Office of the Governor, has been named Chief Operating Officer for the Oklahoma Tourism &. Photo Credit: Oklahoma Tourism Continue reading below. With hundreds of man-made lakes, state parks, casinos, museums and nightlife and dining opportunities in revitalized. The department’s Executive Director Deby Snodgrass said the. OF+MO was previously part of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreational Department. The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced Monday that it has launched a new “Imagine That” tourism marketing campaign. The. § 74-2202: Conserve and protect the parkland under the control of the Commission. Top HeadlinesSuspect in custody. OK. It is the self-proclaimed “Indian Capital of the Nation” and Native Americans make up the near-majority of the population. Passes to AdventureScape, Chickasha Community Theatre, Wild Ox Axe Throwing, ice skating during the Festival of Light, mini-golf at Jungle Ice Fun Zone and a downtown carriage ride at Town's End. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-6406. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department launched a $1. Office Fax: 580-426-2405. Legislators peppered the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department with questions Thursday following the release of findings from an investigation into a of a one-of-a-kind contract between the state and a private business in 2020, and the millions in subsidies. Planning for this map began in 2020. Address: Lorton Performance Center. Festivals & Events. NL. A newly-obtained, 50-page audit points to a history of questionable financial transactions inside the Department of Tourism long before the legal battle with Swadley’s. The festivities get started on Thanksgiving night on Bristow's Main Street. 2020 Oklahoma House District Travel Impacts House District Spending Earnings Employment Gov. The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation is a department of the government of Oklahoma within the Tourism and Branding Cabinet. Abundant wilderness areas with pristine lakes, rivers and streams connect you to nature in a profound way. The department has paid Swadley's an additional $17 million since entering the contract for concessions in 2020, the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency reported. The state paid about $100,000 and private groups covered the other costs, Pinnell said, calling it a bargain. AT. Acorn Hollow is 3. Launch map. ray. Hulbert, OK 74441. Then rest in a comfortable lodge or cabin, or camp in your own tent or RV. Oklahoma Tourism. As of late, here are some things Oklahoma has going on: Death Penalty: Enough said. Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan becomes Oklahoma 529 with new branding and website OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. PO Box 248937. Toll-free: 1-800-652-6552. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. ok. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. Toll. Over the past couple of weeks, in a planned build-up to Wednesday's big announcement that Zooters Falcone's Pizza is coming to Oklahoma State Parks, Stitt and Co. ” The people that work at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) truly embody the authenticity and natural joy of the state itself. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Phone: 405-815-6552 Toll-Free: 800-879-6552 8:00 a. Foggy Bottom breakdown: Staff left stranded as legislators call for tourism director's job. An Oklahoma lawmaker has filed legislation to restore authority to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission. Alongside the Mountain Fork River, the new Riverside Retreat cabins are great for year-round use and add to the existing lodging opportunities in parks. Seminole. Legislators grill Oklahoma Tourism director over Swadley's contract at state parks. Email Website. Email. Oklahoma offers a wide selection of free brochures, so you can find information for the entire state or just the area you plan to visit. com. while shelly, welcome in. She attributes her new success to. During a press conference on Thursday, Oklahoma’s Tourism and Recreation department announced upgrades and renovations to many state parks, including Quartz Mountain in Greer County. Oklahoma’s Tourism Development Act promotes investment in new or expanded tourism sites such as entertainment districts, destination hotels, arenas, museums, theme parks,. “Film & Music is seeing incredible success and. iPhone. . TRANSCRIPT Announcer: Capitol Insider sponsored by the Oklahoma State Medical Association, physician members who devote more than 11 years of higher. Newsletter. Call us- 405. Shelley Zumwalt comes to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation after leading the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Wednesday, October 5th 2022, 4:38 am. Also find a downloadable Oklahoma map and regional information. The Oklahoma Road Trip Team explores Route 66 in Claremore, hitting popular attractions like the. com. IE. com for more information CONTACT: Rhonda Moore, Federal Programs Manager, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, 405-522-9522, or by email at. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation publishes the 2022-23 Oklahoma Fishing & Hunting regulations. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. For an action-packed time, load up the family in your own boat, or rent one and. KOKH Fox 25 provides, news, sports, weather and local event coverage in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, including McLoud, Shawnee, Tecumseh, Seminole, Wewoka. 550 S Gary Pl. La Ratatouille owns and operates Falcone’s Pizzeria, Jonny Cakes Bakery, multiple food trucks and a catering business that has served the OKC Thunder and the Zoo. Site Map ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. Kevin Stitt. 1 1 DEAN RUNYAN ASSOCIATES PAGE 1 . Stiles Ave. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. Either way, our job is to promote your attraction, event, lodging facility or restaurant. DE. Newsletters. A. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services on behalf of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) is soliciting bids for a central sprinkler control system along with sprinkler heads, to be used at the Grand Cherokee Golf Course in Vinita, Oklahoma. Find a great place to stay in Oklahoma! Explore upscale boutique hotels, quirky Route 66 motels, cozy cabins, state park lodges, guest ranches and romantic bed & breakfasts. Named after the Seminole Nation, one of the Five Civilized Tribes that settled in the area, Seminole, Oklahoma is home to Seminole State College and the challenging Jimmie Austin Municipal Golf Course. Stitt doesn’t explicitly discuss the deal between Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, he. By: Barry Mangold. state. Oklahoma Department of Transportation 200 N. Phone. Ponca City boasts a rich blend of history, culture, and a warm sense of community. Official website: TravelOK. Open the video player above for the full story. Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency Director Mike Jackson told. Email Website. Visitors Agencies. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on Monday canceled its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q due to "suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices," the agency. Donate to The Frontier to support local independent investigative journalism. Wednesday, April 5th 2023, 12:29 pm. Coburn, an Oklahoma native, has performed with operas and orchestras around the world including the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Seattle. August 23, 2023. Phone: 918-582-3133. 9. A House Special Investigative Committee on Thursday will open its inquiry into the deal currently under a criminal probe between the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and Swadley's Bar-B-Q. Watch Live by A-Best Roofing: Osage SkyNews 6 Surveys Storm Damage Over Central Oklahoma New RV parks guide deemed tasteless Friday, February 9th 2001, 12:00 amAnadarko. This office promotes Oklahoma as a. Brochures. With over 19,000 surface acres of water and 225 miles of shoreline on Fort Gibson Lake, the park attracts boaters and beach-goers alike. OKLAHOMA CITY —. Federal Programs Manager. Within its borders, visitors have opportunities to hunt, fish, canoe or kayak, observe wildlife and hike. In mid-June, the Tourism and Recreation Department began charging parking fees at 22 of the state’s most-trafficked parks to help cover a backlog of deferred maintenance and park improvements. "The state stopped payment to the vendor when concerns arose regarding billing inconsistencies and in order to assure the protection of taxpayer dollars all payments. Route 66 Christmas Chute. OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. Image courtesy Oklahoma Tourism. com free of charge. To report BGA, contact the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality at 1-800-522-0206. Swadley’s BBQ says it is alarmed and dismayed that the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has canceled its contract that put the restaurants in state parks. The Oklahoma attorney general is currently working with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s criminal investigation into the department’s dealings with the restaurant vendor Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen, which provided restaurant services to Oklahoma’s state parks. Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. Golden short-grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, Native history and artifacts, and dramatic sunsets weave an alluring travel tapestry. com Email:. 22, 2023) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that his office will assume responsibility working with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) in the probe of potential wrongdoing involving the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation and Swadley’s Bar-B-Q. Feb 7, 2020. Solicitation 5660001148. Who We Serve We represent tourism-related businesses and citizens throughout Oklahoma, developing the membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually. Logan Layden / StateImpact Oklahoma Rick Geisler, manager of Wah-Sha-She Park in Osage County, stands on the shore of Hula Lake. Phone: 405-521-3356. Sign Up. OKLAHOMA CITY – A website designed to provide water quality information about state streams and rivers has been launched by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation. OklahOma TOurism and recreaTiOn deparTmenT Operational Audit For the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2021The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department is set to announce the "Imagine That" campaign to promote tourism and recreation destinations in the state. We love to welcome new & familiar visitors to our town year-round! In Summer 2021, we opened our new Welcome Center facility just north of OBU. “Imagine That,” the state’s official branding tagline, illustrates Oklahoma’s lifestyle-rich opportunities that inspire visitors to dream big. The Oklahoma Department of Recreation and Tourism has announced the restaurant group that will take over operations at six state parks. Indulge in an all-day shopping excursion with a trip to The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City with more than 100 incredible stores or to Utica Square in Tulsa, an elegant outdoor village packed with specialty shops, restaurants and high-caliber department stores. OKLAHOMA CITY -. Discover new destinations along Route 66 with the updated official Oklahoma Route 66 Passport. gov) can now be found on the new and improved okcommerce. “We are continuing to cooperate with. Sulphur. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department 1,115 followers. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. — Oklahoma Lt. Sign up now for the OK. Highest salary at Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in year 2022 was $124,696. m. Midwest City, OK. Signage at Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchens statewide went under wraps on Tuesday while House Democrats called for the resignation of Oklahoma's Tourism and Recreation Department Executive Director Jerry Winchester. O. Lawmakers questioned why the restaurant was the only one to submit a bid given the fact that the state was promising to cover any losses. Swadley released a statement Monday. Oklahoma City, OK. March 2020: March 2020: The tourism department, at the time under the direction of Jerry Winchester, awards Swadley's the initial contract to renovate and run the restaurants at six state parks. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. After issues with Swadley's left restaurants closed, Tourism announced it would search for new parties or suppliers. This new travel guide is the essential, one-stop source for not only Oklahoma travelers, but travelers from everywhere. Route 66. Date Aired:. Lake Murray State Park is Oklahoma's first and largest state park consisting of 12,500 acres of forested, rolling hills around beautiful Lake Murray. 2: Roman Nose State Park, 3236 S OK-8A, Watonga. gov. Community and Culture. land and water conservation fund. Every year the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department produces a travel guide. 7 million, a report from the Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency found in March. Solicitation 5660001148. DE. The Tourism Department’s costs to launch Foggy Bottom restaurants at state parks ballooned to $16. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on Monday canceled its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q due to "suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices," the agency. Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit Package. Oklahoma Tourism Department's official site allows you to explore Oklahoma, order free travel brochures, find thousands of things to do, immerse yourself in hundreds of videos and photos and plan your perfect vacation. If your submission is approved, your event's listing page will display and be searchable on TravelOK. Point your compass toward southeast Oklahoma and make your way to the Talimena National Scenic Byway for amazing fall foliage peppered along the state’s most popular scenic drive. By: Colby ThelenTwo-night stay at Ralphie's House. com. 6 billion to Oklahoma’s economy in direct visitor spending,. Adventure Tourism Jobs | Adventure Tourism Jobs BC. 566 DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND RECREATION. For more information on some of their specials or what the park has to offer call (918) 772-2046 or click here. Ste 101. Our goal is to ensure aStitt's office did not respond to a request for comment. In the five. Site Map ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. 7, 2022 at 8:58 AM PST. 29, 2022) ' State Treasurer Randy McDaniel today unveiled a new name, branding and website for the state's direct-sold 529 plan. Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, filed Senate Bill 4, which would rescind the Governor’s authority to hire the leader of Oklahoma’s Tourism and Recreation Department. 6 billion in direct spending by an estimated 21. Leads & Data. One day after the speaker of the house announced formation of a special committee to investigate a contract between the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and a restaurant providing food services at six state parks, the agency's executive director, Jerry Winchester, resigned and Governor Kevin Stitt announced the. Discover Oklahoma is Oklahoma's favorite weekly travel program, helping you find tucked away attractions, roadside eateries and grand adventures. Sand Springs, OK 74063. Email. Episode 45 - Claremore. Nov 28, 2023. The agency that first investigated the deal between Oklahoma Tourism and Swadley’s said they didn’t recommend the termination of the contract on Monday. Over the past couple of weeks, in a planned build-up to Wednesday's big announcement that Zooters Falcone's Pizza is coming to Oklahoma State Parks, Stitt and Co. McAlester is the county seat and economic hub of Pittsburg County, located at the crossing of State Highways 69 and 270. Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc (BLAC) September 28, 2023. Vian is also home to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts the largest concentration of snow geese in the state. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department average salary is 54 percent lower. NL. Box 52002. General Services. Oklahoma’s Tourism Development Act promotes investment in new or expanded tourism sites such as entertainment districts, destination hotels, arenas, museums, theme parks, cultural centers, and others tourism destinations. gxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxe@gmail. Newsletters. 2023 OKLAHOMA TRAVEL GUIDE 100. IE. 1 billion in direct spending by visitors, according to new research by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. REF TO APPR (S) SB259: Motor vehicles; designating the Tulsa Icon License Plate. It can also be obtained by contacting your representative or senator, the House Clerk's office (521-2711 in the Oklahoma City area or 1-800-522-8502 outside) or the Senate Clerk's office (405-524-0126). Newsletter. The Executive Director at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department is named in two lawsuits claiming she fired former employees of two other state agencies based on their age, according to. Published: Feb. Oil played a starring role in Seminole's local history, as the Greater Seminole Area was once one of Oklahoma's 22 "giant" oil fields. Oklahoma Tourism. About Visit Shawnee. Gov. | MORE | Failed deal between Oklahoma’s state parks, Swadley’s restaurants to get another look The agency is looking for a new. – 5:00 p. A longtime government attorney has been hired to oversee staff at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. In March, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department said it would close seven state parks, reducing its park total to 35 from 42. Explore hundreds of getaway destinations in Oklahoma plus fun festivals, unique stays and more. 2 million marketing campaign on Monday to inspire residents to travel close to home and lure more tourists to the state. Alva. Business and Employment. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. The state said goodbye to the Winchester Burger on Monday, and on Friday Gov. This unique shop carries native-made goods and art, including beautiful turquoise and sterling silver jewelry, gift products, both new and vintage clothing items and more. Oklahoma City, OK 73124-8937. 5:28. * Indicates a required field. "| MORE | Lawsuit, resignation mark the newest turns in state parks' contract with Swadley'sLawmakers now ask what needs to happen to prevent another failed contract, costing Oklahoma taxpayers millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs. IE. Environmental and Natural Resources. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department P. NL. Oklahoma Tourism | Oklahoma Tourism Department 201. M. In the contract, the department said the ultimate goal is to eliminate the management. There is hereby created an Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Advisory Committee which shall advise the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on matters of statewide tourism promotion. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105. preface. 6 billion to Oklahoma’s economy in direct visitor spending, generating $627. Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Officials say the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has paid $13 million to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants to renovate and run the Foggy Bottom Kitchens in certain Oklahoma state parks. Matt Pinnell and Oklahoma Tourism executive director Shelley Zumwalt debuted the campaign from the Blue Room at the state Capitol. Back Submit. Park Office: 918-772-2545. Menu Brochures. LOFT is the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency. Stay current with seasonal attractions, deals and more. The Department is responsible for regulating Oklahoma's tourism industry and for promoting Oklahoma as a tourist destination. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105. Room G20. Beginning near Connerville in Johnston County, the Blue River flows southeast to the Red River. Rabon’s concerns stem from a situation in. Nov 15 - Dec 29. This special discount is good year-round and can be redeemed when booking your stay at any park by simply choosing the MIL. May 4, 2023. As the 3rd largest industry in the state, Tourism is big business for Oklahoma! In 2016, tourism contributed $8. More information for each grant can be found by clicking the link for that grant or contacting Ray Little, Grant Director for the Oklahoma Department of. We have two Park Ranger positions within the OKC metro area. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced Tuesday that it is now accepting applications for grant funding through the Recreational Trails Program. Department of Public Safety. According to a report from The Oklahoman, one of the concerns is likely a contract with a local restaurant chain. com Jan. The bill is a response to a recent contract the agency’s former director approved with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q, which drew multiple. As the 3rd largest industry in the state, Tourism is big business for Oklahoma! In 2016, tourism contributed $8. The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department has released three new publications to help travelers put together memorable road trips: the 2021 Oklahoma Travel Guide, the 2021 Oklahoma State Parks. US. TourismAndEconomic_Report Download. 25 each. Visit Elk City. Susie Snider. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Tourism and Recreation Department canceled its lease concession agreement with Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen on Monday due to suspected fraudulent activity. Brochures. Oklahoma tourism leader resigns, state files lawsuit against Swadley's after parks deal. Prior to this appointment Zumwalt served as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission since May of 2020. 4 million annually before he arrived. TourismAndEconomic_Report Download. The Oklahoma City-based restaurant company billed the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department $12,433 for a vintage 1956 camper to display at the Sequoyah State Park restaurant near Hulbert. Business and Employment. Another $119,440 went to build an elaborate fake mine shaft and cover other construction costs at Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton. After a failed attempt to solicit bids for a new operator shortly after terminating its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q in April, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation is once again. NZ. com. Sequoyah State Park is a haven for water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Emergency. The best text she has received in many weeks, she said, was the one informing her that there were seven bidders interested in opening restaurants at the state parks. Shelley Zumwalt, who was named director of the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism and Recreation in October by Gov. 2 million a year prior, said Oklahoma State Parks Director Kris Marek. Kiamichi Country Tourism 1-800-722-8180. The Oklahoma Rural Water Association has canceled its upcoming fall conference and exposition, which was scheduled for Sept. The Oklahoma Legislature will not act this legislative session to change the power structure at the state's Tourism and Recreation Department as a result of the agency's questionable deal with a local barbecue chain. Why is the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department implementing the Parking Pass Program? A 2019 analysis of state park facilities and infrastructure found that, for years, funding levels have been well below the amount needed to adequately maintain our state parks at a level that would ensure the safe and enjoyable use of our parklands. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT.