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Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's Groundbreaking Forum on Health and Recreation

On May 8, 2026, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) hosted a significant gathering, the first-ever National Executive Forum on Health and Outdoor Recreation, in Washington D.C. This landmark event brought together prominent figures from the outdoor recreation and healthcare sectors, including U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, state recreation leaders, researchers, and influential CEOs to address the intersection of outdoor activities and public health.

The ORR, which is the nation’s primary coalition representing outdoor recreation associations, emphasized the importance of the approximately $1.3 trillion outdoor economy and its potential to address pressing issues such as chronic diseases, healthcare costs, and mental health challenges facing the American populace.

The forum served to highlight the role outdoor recreation could play as a central component of the U.S. health infrastructure. The discussions revolved around aligning efforts between executives from various sectors, policymakers, and health professionals to enhance accessibility to outdoor recreation and foster collaborations that would promote outdoor time as integral to overall health and wellness.

Participant discussions showcased how outdoor activities can substantially aid youth development, bolster community well-being, reduce chronic health issues, and create economic opportunities. The forum aimed to foster a transformational shift in how outdoor recreation is perceived within health systems and schools. Jessica Turner, President of ORR, stated, "Our aim is to reshape the way schools handle recess and how health systems recognize outdoor activities as a crucial health resource."

One of the pivotal announcements from the forum was the launch of the Rural Outdoor Recreation and Health Catalyst Grant Program. This initiative seeks to funnel resources into rural communities eager to leverage outdoor spaces as essential tools for health improvement and economic enhancement. With the backing of notable organizations, including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, new grants will support locally-driven projects aimed at linking outdoor activities with preventive health measures and social connectedness.

Moreover, the forum called for businesses and trade organizations in the outdoor sector to take tangible steps in three critical areas:
1. Enhancing Outdoor Infrastructure - Supporting initiatives that broaden access to outdoor experiences.
2. Creating Workplace Culture - Integrating outdoor activities into employee wellness programs and organizational benefits.
3. Fostering Partnerships - Collaborating with health systems to advance the concept of outdoor activities as vital for better patient care and outcomes.

At the forum, ORR further highlighted its 'America's Outdoor Era' campaign, rallying partnerships across industries to enact meaningful change. The inclusion of Connecticut as a new member of the Confluence of States signifies a collective commitment to developing policies and programs and promoting outdoor recreation’s benefits.

In a collaborative effort, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine partnered with the Nature Health Alliance to launch an educational series focused on the science linking nature to well-being, supported by a grant from the REI Cooperative Action Fund.

This momentous forum was held at the White House Historical Association Decatur House and concluded with the ORR presenting its Outdoor Recreation Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard Louv, renowned author of Last Child in the Woods, recognizing his contributions to the field.

The event has paved the way for a future where outdoor recreation is integrated into the fabric of American health policy, signaling a hopeful trajectory towards a healthier population through active engagement with the outdoors. As discussions continue, the vision of a united front between the outdoor economy and health sectors appears not only achievable but essential for the wellbeing of Americans.

For further details on the initiatives discussed and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's efforts, please visit recreationroundtable.org.