NORMAN — The transfer of seven Oklahoma State Parks out of the state system and into the hands of local and tribal entities is a true win-win situation: All of the parks will remain open, all of the affected state employees keep their jobs, the seven properties will be enhanced by having local operation and Oklahoma taxpayers will have realized savings of more than $700,000.
The decision to find new oversight for the parks was precipitated by necessary budget cuts the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department faced for fiscal year 2012. Of the seven parks, only two were owned wholly by the State of Oklahoma — Heavener Runestone and Boggy Depot. The City of Heavener has assumed operation of Heavener Runestone and the Chickasaw Nation began managing Boggy Depot as of August 16. The Choctaw Nation has agreed to oversee the cemetery at Boggy Depot where former Choctaw Chief Allen Wright is buried.
The other five parks were leased, not owned, by the Tourism Department. The entities that own them have chosen to step up and operate them locally. Beaver Dunes is owned by Pioneer Parks and is now operated jointly by the City of Beaver and Pioneer Parks. The City of Sallisaw owns Brushy Lake State Park and will now manage it; The City of Tulsa owns Lake Eucha State Park and will operate it; Adair State Park is owned by the City of Stillwell and will be operated by Adair County beginning Sept. 15th. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns Wah-Sha-She State Park which will be operated by the Osage Nation after Sept. 31.
The staff at the Tourism department showed innovation in seeking these partnerships and the new operators should be commended for taking on this responsibility for the benefit of all Oklahomans.
Yet, in spite of this win-win, the Oklahoma Public Employees Association has chosen to bring a lawsuit against the department for transferring employees. The department has been dedicated to preserving the jobs of those impacted. Not a single employee was laid off, and all but two were transferred to a park less than 30 miles away from their original post. The Tourism Department practiced efficient workforce management to ensure the most efficient use of resources throughout the state park system.
In a time where many face lay-offs because of the economic downturn, OPEA filed for a temporary injunction in an attempt to stop the employee transfers. Their request was denied by Oklahoma County District Judge Bryan Dixon and a hearing on the issue is scheduled for Sept. 9.
Oklahomans should be proud of the staff at The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Facing significant budget cuts, the department developed a fiscally responsible plan that allowed the state to save money while preserving recreational opportunities. The department supports a $6.3 billion tourism industry which is an economic engine benefiting all 77 Oklahoma counties. Innovative management practices like the transfer of these state parks will only serve to propel tourism and our state forward.
Xavier Neira of Norman is a new member of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission.
