OIA sees ‘multi-generational mind shift’ around spending time in nature
The president of the US-based Outdoor Industry Association has highlighted a mind shift around spending time in nature, suggesting since 2019, more than 10 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation for the first time, or for the first time in years.
He described it as an “extraordinary opportunity” for the industry as members of the OIA met with members of Congress and other US administration officials as part of its Annual Capitol Summit.
Kent Ebersole said: “This increase in the number of people spending time outside was not merely a method for managing stress from lockdown during a global pandemic. We witnessed a multi-generational mind shift around the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of spending time in nature, as over half of the US population flocked to the outdoors.”
He also thanked members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for advancing the Outdoor Recreation Act – which he described as one of the most dynamic and comprehensive outdoor recreation proposals – to the Senate.
“There are still more than 100 million Americans who still do not live within walking or biking distance of a park,” he added. “This legislation aims to bring green spaces to more people and expand access to the great outdoors. The work doesn’t stop there. There is an array of provisions to provide meaningful opportunities for job creators to expand their business, hire more employees, and strengthen communities from coast to coast.
“We are hopeful the Senate will take swift action to pass this bill, and we look forward to the House producing similar bipartisan companion legislation.”
