Marana Mayor Honea (left) and Kirk Astroth, President of the Sonoran Mt. Bike Club (right)
The Town of Marana recognizes the "Get Outdoors Arizona" legislative resolution as an organized effort to elevate the importance of outdoor recreation for all residents in the state as a critical element for health, well-being and economic development.
The outdoor industry in Arizona is a major economic engine that brings jobs, prosperity and wellness to all state residents. The outdoor industry employs 201,000 people and generates $21. 2 billion in consumer spending annually. Communities across Arizona recognize that outdoor recreation supports health, contributes to a high quality of life and—perhaps most importantly— attracts and sustains employers and families.
Scientific research shows that both children and adults are spending more time inside than previous generations, are increasingly distanced from nature, are engaging in less physical exercise, and are at increased risk for poor health because of sedentary practices. Quality time in the natural world encourages curiosity and provides hands-on field experience and experiential learning, resulting in improved learning across various fields of science.
The Town of Marana enjoys a rich abundance of outdoor and recreational opportunities, including the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail that goes through the Town of Marana (as Marana is a gateway to the Ironwood Forest National Monument), and the Tortolita Mountains trail system that provides world-class outdoor recreation to both residents and visitors alike. Public lands represent a significant portion of Arizona's land base and are critical components of a healthy outdoor environment that are low cost to access and ubiquitous for all residents.
Therefore, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Marana urge all residents to participate in outdoor activities, in order to appreciate the importance of public lands and the vital role of the outdoor recreation economy to Marana and the State of Arizona's future and declare 2021 as a year to" GET OUTDOORS ARIZONA" and enjoy our vast and beautiful Natural Resources.
