Mesa County Outdoor Recreation Master Plan & Feasibility Study
To guide this effort, we’ve partnered with Community Builders, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to helping communities come together to shape a more livable and sustainable future. Through their assistance program they work shoulder-to-shoulder with local partners, to help communities identify, design, and implement strategies that respond to local needs and opportunities.
Purpose
To develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy to preserve, enhance, and expand outdoor recreation across Mesa County—grounded in community input, economic vitality, and responsible stewardship.
Key Outcomes
- Audit existing recreation assets and infrastructure
- Analyze usage trends through heat mapping, mobile data, and economic modeling
- Identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for growth
- Define a clear “True North”—a shared set of guiding principles that align stakeholders and inform how we champion, manage, and steward our outdoor recreation infrastructure.
- Launch the first countywide feasibility study in more than 25 years
- Build a prioritized project pipeline and funding strategy
Support growth of - Grand Valley outdoor businesses, expand living-wage jobs, and address workforce housing needs
- Strengthen regional collaboration and public engagement
Ensure long-term sustainability and resilience
Why It Matters
- $484M contributed to the local economy in 2022 (7.2% of GDP)
- 11% of Mesa County jobs are tied to outdoor recreation
- 80% of residents chose the Grand Valley for its outdoor access
Project Timeline
Phase 1: Groundwork (Mayo–Junio)
- Develop communications strategy and engagement plan
- Present to GVORC Board and finalize approach
- Convene Steering Committee kickoff
Phase 2: Assess (Mayo–Julio)
- Compile and review existing plans and data
- Design and distribute community survey
- Facilitate industry roundtable discussions
- Conduct in-person and virtual stakeholder interviews
- Synthesize findings and produce assessment summary
Phase 3: Envision (Agosto–Septiembre)
- Facilitate Steering Committee Meeting #2
- Lead leadership engagement and facilitation training
- Host Campfire Session #1
- Conduct user-group specific workshops
- Synthesize community input into a shared vision
Phase 4: Strategize (Septiembre)
- Draft strategies and guiding principles
Facilitate workshops, - Campfire Session #2, and Industry
- Roundtable #2
Refine and finalize strategic direction
Industry Summit (Noviembre)
- Present key findings and insights
- Review and seek feedback on recommended strategies and project pipeline
Get Involved
This is a community-led effort—and your voice matters.
- Join public input sessions (Campfire & User-Group Sessions)
- Complete the community survey
Attend the Industry Summit - Subscribe to The ORC Connector
- Become a Friend of GVORC
- Host a Lunch & Learn
True West Community Survey
Outdoor recreation is a vital part of Mesa County’s economy, quality of life, and identity. As our region continues to grow, so does the need to thoughtfully balance recreation with conservation, agriculture, working lands, natural resources, wildlife, and the many other values that define our communities.
True West: A Shared Vision for Outdoor Recreation in Mesa County is a community-driven effort to develop a shared vision and actionable roadmap for the future of outdoor recreation. Whether you’re an avid recreationist or simply care about the future of our public lands and communities, your voice matters. Take the survey to help shape the priorities, investments, and opportunities that will guide Mesa County for years to come.
The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. As a thank-you for participating, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 gift cards, generously provided by The Gear Junction, REI, and Downtown Grand Junction. Please complete the survey by Agosto 14, 2026.
