Pa’s outdoor rec economy grows 21 percent through Office of Outdoor Recreation initiatives

COLUMBIA -- Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy has grown 21 percent under Governor Josh Shapiro, adding 12,000 jobs and nearly 25 percent wage growth, as the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation (PA OOR) marks three years of work to grow the industry and make outdoor recreation a larger driver of economic development statewide.

This week, PA OOR marked its third anniversary in Columbia with Let's Roll, the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania, EDC Lancaster County and local leaders.

The celebration comes as the latest data shows Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy grew by $1.5 billion in 2024 alone, reaching $20.4 billion and supporting more than 177,000 jobs and $9.5 billion in wages.

According to a release from PA OOR, since its launch in 2023, the office has worked to grow the capacity of outdoor recreation businesses, connect entrepreneurs with resources and position outdoor recreation as a strategic economic development tool -- helping build an industry that now accounts for two percent of Pennsylvania's GDP.

"Our goal in the Office of Outdoor Recreation is to empower Pennsylvania -- empower businesses to grow, communities to thrive and the Commonwealth to prosper," said Nathan Reigner, director of the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation (PA OOR). "We are proud of the accomplishments we have achieved in our first three years, we know that they have made a real difference for real Pennsylvanians, and we are looking forward to continuing with drive and dedication."

Building Pennsylvania's

Outdoor Recreation Industry

In its first three years, PA OOR has created new tools and organizations to help Pennsylvania's outdoor businesses grow -- establishing its Growing Outdoor Recreation for Pennsylvania (GORP) strategy, providing a statewide framework for using outdoor recreation as a tool for economic and community development.

The office also launched Elevate, the most comprehensive outdoor recreation business engagement effort ever undertaken in Pennsylvania, gathering input from more than 1,000 outdoor recreation businesses and supporters on challenges and opportunities including business growth, workforce development, access to capital, marketing, and advocacy.

"Starting an outdoor business is an intimidating undertaking. I've found that engaging with others -- from local officials to funding opportunities -- are key to building a strong business," said Tim Hill, co-owner of Let's Roll e-bike shop in Lancaster County. "The work that the office is doing to hear from businesses like ours about our challenges to be successful and to offer support is impactful, and a real sign of backing from Pennsylvania."

The office also helped support the creation of the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania (OBA PA), Pennsylvania's first private-sector organization dedicated exclusively to the outdoor recreation industry.

OBA PA has since launched the Commonwealth's first Outdoor Economy Summit & Industry Expo, a technical assistance series for small outdoor businesses and Trout Tank, the only outdoor-recreation-specific microgrant program.

"Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry has long existed, but until the Office of Outdoor Recreation and its support of OBA PA, the economic power and scope our industry went largely underappreciated and underdeveloped," said Silas Chamberlin, Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania. "The Office is a critical force multiplier, lifting up our businesses and bringing awareness to the significant role the outdoor industry plays in Pennsylvania's economy."