Mesa County Outdoor Recreation Master Plan & Feasibility Study
The Mesa County Outdoor Recreation Master Plan—first introduced at our Annual Summit last fall—officially launches in May. Phases 1–4 (Groundwork, Assess, Envision, and Strategize) will take place over approximately five months, laying the foundation for a long-term, community-driven vision for outdoor recreation across the region.
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
Outdoor recreation is central to who we are in the Grand Valley. It shapes our identity, drives our economy, and enhances our quality of life. As use continues to grow and resources remain finite, a coordinated, forward-looking plan is essential to ensure we grow responsibly and sustainably.
- $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 (May–June)
- Develop communications strategy and engagement plan
- Present to GVORC Board and finalize approach
- Convene Steering Committee kickoff
Phase 2: Assess (May–July)
- 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 (August–September)
- 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 (September)
- Draft strategies and guiding principles
Facilitate workshops, - Campfire Session #2, and Industry
- Roundtable #2
Refine and finalize strategic direction
Industry Summit (November)
- 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
