Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Hosts Legislators at State Parks

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department hosted Rep. Carl Newton and Sen. Casey Murdock at Alabaster Caverns State Park and Boiling Springs State Park in northwest Oklahoma. Lawmakers were able to meet staff, learn more about the unique Oklahoma landscapes and features, the economic impact in local communities and the needs of each park in their district.

“Northwestern Oklahoma is a beautiful place to call home. The state parks in our area not only showcase that beauty, but also offer a place for our constituents in our communities to take advantage of it,” said Representative Carl Newton. “Thank you to the Tourism and Recreation Department for hosting myself and Sen. Murdock and sharing important information on how we can continue to support our districts and maintain these spaces for our residents.”

“Our state parks generate critical economic activity in rural areas of the state,” said Senator Casey Murdock. “I was glad to join Director Zumwalt and her team for a tour of Boiling Springs and Alabaster Caverns to learn more about how the parks provide District 27 with economic development opportunities, as well as recreational opportunities for all Oklahomans to enjoy.”

OTRD is conducting legislative tours in parks across the state to give lawmaker a firsthand look at what makes each park unique, and what the parks need to ensure they can continue to be premiere destinations for visitors from across Oklahoma and the country.

“We appreciate Rep. Newton and Sen. Murdock taking the time to join us for a tour of the Oklahoma State Parks within their districts and learn more about the integral impact they have on local communities,” said Shelley Zumwalt, executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “We’re looking forward to working with them in the coming years to help maintain and preserve the parks for generations of Oklahomans.”

Boiling Springs State Park is one of the seven original parks in the state of Oklahoma. It captures some of the finest elements of nature, including the natural “boiling” spring that still flows in the park today. The park offers 820 acres of breathtaking scenery with many opportunities for outdoor activities, including the seven-acre spring-fed Shaul Lake.

Boiling Springs hosted 84,018 out of the 11.5 million visitors to Oklahoma’s state parks in 2021.
Visitors to Boiling Springs spent approximately $2.1 million in the northwest region in 2021, supporting 30 tourism industry jobs.
In 2021, Boiling Springs State Park generated approximately $92,000 in state taxes and $65,000 in local taxes for a total of $157,000.

Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to one of the largest natural gypsum caves in the world, and is the only gypsum show cave in the United States. Visitors can partake in wild caving to see the structures up close at four unique caves – a rare opportunity that makes the park stand out not only in Oklahoma, but across the country.

Alabaster Caverns hosted 21,952 out of the 11.5 million visitors to Oklahoma’s state parks in 2021.
Visitors to Alabaster Caverns spent approximately $600,000 in the northwest region in 2021, supporting 10 tourism industry jobs.
In 2021, Alabaster Caverns State Park generated approximately $25,000 in state taxes and $17,000 in local taxes for a total of $42,000.