Another $119,440 went to build an elaborate fake mine shaft and cover other construction costs at Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton. Matt Pinnell says the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will amend its contract with a Swadley’s Bar-B-Q affiliate following growing lawmaker concern and a criminal. Currently, the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism has complete authority over agency contracts and spending. When budget cuts led the Oklahoma tourism department to find new homes for seven state parks in 2011, two of them went to Native American tribes. Business and Employment. Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Director Shelley Zumwalt will now oversee the tourism department, which came under immense scrutiny for its now-defunct contracts. The Department is planning on conducting a full recodification of all Administrative Rules in fiscal year 2021 to address and resolve the issues found in this Review. org. Board of Psychologists Examiners. Email Website. General Services. Friday, April 29th 2022, 10:27 pm. Visitors News Two-night stay at Ralphie's House. Emergency. 3 million. 5:28. Feb. com free of charge. It highlights 38 lakes across the state and an additional 20 Oklahoma fishing experiences that are part of the Wildlife Department’s Close to Home Fishing Program. OKLAHOMA CITY – A website designed to provide water quality information about state streams and rivers has been launched by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation. Both are open and doing well, but each has faced. Site Map ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. Under cover, too, was. It employs 51-100 people and has $10M-$25M of revenue. ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. As part of an effort to modernize those parks, Swadley’s entered into a contract with the Oklahoma State Tourism Department in March of 2020 to redesign, rebuild, and revitalize six restaurants on state park properties. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. Email. m. Oversee the operation and maintenance of the state’s lodges and golf courses. A large chunk of $48. A total of 600,000 copies of the 2021-2022 state map have been printed at a cost of nearly $84,000 for the two-year period. A newly-obtained, 50-page audit points to a history of questionable financial transactions inside the Department of Tourism long before the legal battle with Swadley’s. Title: *First Name: Middle Initial: *Last Name: Company:I think it was a contract amendment. Contact info: (405) 425-3650, jporter@ota. AU. gov. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Phone: 405-815-6552 Toll-Free: 800-879. Image courtesy Oklahoma Tourism. Environmental and Natural Resources. OKLAHOMA CITY -. Brochures. The agency that first investigated the deal between Oklahoma Tourism and Swadley’s said they didn’t recommend the termination of the contract on Monday. Find an Agency. in Oklahoma. Email Website. August 23, 2023. The Oklahoma Fishing Trail is a cooperative effort of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. com About Oklahoma. Online reservations must be made for all RV and tent campsites. Site Map ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. OKLAHOMA CITY —. Legislators peppered the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department with questions Thursday following the release of findings from an investigation into a of a one-of-a-kind contract between the state and a private business in 2020, and the millions in subsidies. More information for each grant can be found by clicking the link for that grant or contacting Ray Little, Grant Director for the Oklahoma Department of. What Oklahoma Tourism's contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q shows. Stiles Ave. UK. More than 110 casinos across Oklahoma deal the thrills of slot machines, poker, blackjack, and live entertainment. 942. PO Box 248937. Business Expansion Incentive Program. I need help with: Resources. com - Oklahoma's Official Travel & Tourism Site. Planning for this map began in 2020. Address: 24 N Coo Y Yah St. AT. Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. The report from the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency. Legislators peppered the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department with questions Thursday following the release of findings from an investigation into a of a one-of-a-kind contract between the state and a private business in 2020, and the millions in subsidies it has been paid. – The Oklahoma Tourism Department says a black bear was recently spotted near the Black Mesa campground. The Official Oklahoma Route 66 Passport. In 2019, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department collaborated with Retrospec Films to develop the "Oklahoma Road Trip" series, a 52-week series of digital episodes showcasing close-to-home. 74%Offer valid Oct 01, 2020 - Dec 31, 2028. To report BGA, contact the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality at 1-800-522-0206. April 25, 2022 · 6 min read. AU. 56600 Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Lead Administrator: Jerry Winchester Lead Financial Officer: Katherine Nichols FY'23 Requested Funding By Department and Source Dept. Address: Lorton Performance Center. 4 million in taxpayer funds because there was insufficient oversight of its deal with Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen to operate restaurants in six state parks, the director of a state watchdog office said Thursday. Matt Pinnell is enthusiastic about Oklahoma’s future in tourism and in commerce, and he believes Oklahoma must look ahead 10 years as a roadmap to driving. It is the self-proclaimed “Indian Capital of the Nation” and Native Americans make up the near-majority of the population. 622. iPhone. Meanwhile, Stitt said Pinnell will now take a more involved. IE. The Oklahoma Tourism Department suggested some of the state’s best places to see the colors. OKLAHOMA CITY — In a year in which the COVID-19 pandemic caused upheaval throughout the travel sector, the Oklahoma travel and tourism industry increased its market share of domestic travel and generated $7. This digital hub allows users to explore Oklahoma’s 30+ parks, save their favorites, utilize maps to hike the sanctioned trails, explore park events and even. The restaurants have been rebranded by their new operator La Ratatouille and will use the name The Lookout Kitchen. Operative has been paid $259,065. Box. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department executive director Jerry Winchester, who had come under fire for the state agency’s controversial and now-terminated contract with Swadley’s Foggy. Vian is also home to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts the largest concentration of snow geese in the state. Menu Brochures. Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center presents: Dirty Dancing in Concert. Top HeadlinesSuspect in custody. 123 Robert S Kerr Ave. 7 million, a report from the Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency found in March. The article states the department paid around $17 million to Swadley’s BBQ. Room G20. Swadley released a statement Monday. OKLAHOMA TOURISM AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT. CH. This information is contained in the Oklahoma Legislature Information System and is available on the internet. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Local: 1-405-522-9500. This 10,000-acre refuge was established in 1993 to protect the rapidly disappearing bottomland hardwood forests of eastern Oklahoma. Design and development of the state map is a continual process between transportation agencies and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) has the following responsibilities pursuant to 74 O. Southwest Region. Alongside the Mountain Fork River, the new Riverside Retreat cabins are great for year-round use and add to the existing lodging opportunities in parks. mcgoldrick@okcommerce. The news from Oklahoma Now (now. Rhonda Moore. Senate Bill 4 would give the agency's commission financial oversight. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department average salary is 54 percent lower. S. Select a category below and begin exploring all the exciting things you can do in Oklahoma! Explore thousands of Oklahoma activities and attractions for your fun-filled getaway! World-class museums, great food and nightlife, gorgeous outdoor attractions and much more awaits you in Oklahoma. Abundant wilderness areas with pristine lakes, rivers and streams connect you to nature in a profound way. § 74-2202: Conserve and protect the. Native American & Western Heritage. 6 million in state bond money. (KSWO) - Oklahoma has a new director of state parks. IE. North of Fairview off Hwy 412. Stitt announced he'd accepted the embattled. Visitors Agencies. Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc (BLAC) September 28, 2023. 550 S Gary Pl. Episode 44 - Tulsa, Hominy & Skiatook. Join the RoadTrip OK Team connecting with the heart and healing of a city at the Oklahoma City. Image courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department Worth a mention on its own, the Gathering Place is located along Tulsa’s waterfront and is easily one of the top Oklahoma attractions. Oklahoma City, OK 73105. OKLAHOMA CITY – After being shuttered for months, the State Department of Tourism has announced a new group is taking over the operations of restaurants at six state parks. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on Monday canceled its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q due to "suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices," the agency. 7. The agency that first investigated the deal between Oklahoma Tourism and Swadley’s said they didn’t recommend the termination of the contract on Monday. oklahoma. As the 3rd largest industry in the state, Tourism is big business for Oklahoma! In 2016, tourism contributed $8. Nature & Outdoor Recreation. Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department 900 N. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department management team includes Dick Dutton (Executive Director), Kris Marek (Director of Oklahoma State Parks), and Brett Thomas (General Counsel) . CIMARRON COUNTY, Okla. NZ. Photo Credit: Oklahoma Tourism Continue reading below. 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department held an open house at Roman Nose State Park in Watonga to give restaurants and vendors a chance to see the inside of a facility they could move into. >> Related: Oklahoma lawmakers criticize deal between tourism department, Swadley’sThe. 2: Roman Nose State Park, 3236 S OK-8A, Watonga. little@okcommerce. For purposes of this report, the state bureaucracy responsible for administering parks will merely be referred to as “Parks. This unique shop carries native-made goods and art, including beautiful turquoise and sterling silver jewelry, gift products, both new and vintage clothing items and more. 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 T: (405) 297-8900 or (800) 225-5652 [email protected] $9. Matt Pinnell and Oklahoma Tourism executive director Shelley Zumwalt debuted the campaign from the Blue Room at the state Capitol. Book your stay and see why Lake Thunderbird is one of central Oklahoma's most popular recreation areas. “We are continuing to cooperate with. OKLAHOMA CITY —. Our goal is to ensure aStitt's office did not respond to a request for comment. Tourism is Oklahoma’s third-largest industry. You can expect your brochures to arrive within 10-14 business days. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-6406. AU. A. Director of Travel Promotion for the Oklahoma Tourisim & Recreation Department. In addition to relaxing in the beautiful surroundings - lakes, mountains, sand dunes, and forests - you can hike, bike, fish or participate in organized park activities. Oklahoma Tourism | Oklahoma Tourism Department 201. Email Website. O. This guide will provide the Land and Water Conservation Fund. (405) 744-6713 | Directory. For these reasons, tourism is Oklahoma’s third largest industry and tourists spend more than $7B annually, following the state’s advice to “come see for yourself. Toll-free: 1-800-652-6552. Monthly TravelOK eNewsletter. Red Earth Treefest. With hundreds of man-made lakes, state parks, casinos, museums and nightlife and dining opportunities in revitalized. Phone: 405-521-3356. Phone: 405-815-6552. For more information on some of their specials or what the park has to offer call (918) 772-2046 or click here. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department launched a $1. Tuesday, April 26th 2022, 8:11 am1926 S Hwy 151. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2021. com. Lieutenant Governor & Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife & Heritage: Matt Pinnell. com, the official website for Oklahoma Tourism. Honobia Bigfoot Festival & Conference. 30 Top Things to Do in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Transportation 200 N. US. Phone: 918-423-9300. See the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Oklahoma City Zoo, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Bricktown Entertainment District or break out on a unique adventure of your own. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. This new travel guide is the essential, one-stop source for not only Oklahoma travelers, but travelers from everywhere. Email Booking Email. 3 million. “When it comes to taxpayer money, we have to. The local spa offers a variety of services including facials, wraps, reflexology, massage therapy and more. The Oklahoma land produces a bountiful autumn harvest. If you are looking to contact an elected official or a particular agency or state office, refer to the list below as needed or view a complete listing of all state agencies . The special investigative committee assigned to look into the much-criticized business deal between Swadley's and Oklahoma will meet this week. This spring-fed river has a designated trout area in the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Named for a burbling spring (that doesn’t actually boil), the park has an interpretive center, a public swimming pool, a seven-acre spring-fed. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. US. 6 billion in direct visitor spending, $708 million in local and state tax revenue and providing jobs for 103,600 Oklahomans in 2018. For more information about Oklahoma, call or write: Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. NZ. About us. UK. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department officially closed its request for proposal (RFP) to operate the restaurants at six state parks on March 3 and announced Wednesday that it had received seven responses. state. Phone: 405-521-3356. $50 dining gift cards to J&W Grill and The Flower Shop. Spend some time taking in local culture at the annual. The Tulsa Opera is proud to feature soprano Sarah Coburn in a special evening of opera this December. Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Director Shelley Zumwalt will now oversee the tourism department, which came under immense scrutiny for its now-defunct contracts with Swadley's to operate restaurants in some state parks. 16 Oklahoma Department of Tourism Recreation jobs available in Oklahoma City, OK on Indeed. The contract has cost the state nearly $16. This community event is full of family-friendly activities that are guaranteed to spark the holiday spirit in guests of all ages. US. DIVISION OF STATE PARKS – FEDERAL GRANTS SECTION 123 ROBERT S. And now the new 2022 version is available. Early last week, KFOR gathered details about a criminal investigation that has been. Go camping, cast a line on the lake or enjoy hunting for. Oklahoma City, OK 73124-8937. The restaurant and the state Tourism and Recreation Department is at the center of allegations of fraud and the misuse of taxpayers' funds for the company to install and operate Foggy Bottom Kitchens in state parks. A once popular southwest Oklahoma vacation destination is getting a face lift. OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 2 million to $1. With a criminal investigation ongoing, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has canceled its controversial state park restaurant contract with Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen “due to. Tulsa, OK 74104. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department; making an appropriation requiring certain funds be used for certain purposes. Highest salary at Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in year 2022 was $124,696. The Travel & Tourism Division of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department provides services to both the tourism industry and potential Oklahoma. com Email:. The article states the department paid around $17 million to Swadley’s BBQ. Find an Agency. 7. Explore thousands of Oklahoma activities and attractions for your fun-filled getaway! World-class museums, great food and nightlife, gorgeous outdoor attractions and much more awaits you in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Mar 2011 - Present 12 years 9 months Manage agency of over 600 employess in the hospitality and entertainment business. If you have difficulty with this form, you may download and. Department of Public Safety. Visitors. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department is encouraging responsible, respectful tourism and travel to the region where "Killers of the Flower Moon" was filmed. Nov 16 - Dec 31. Get ready to be romanced by the West in all its glory at a host of historic sites and museums in Great Plains Country. During a press conference on Thursday, Oklahoma’s Tourism and Recreation department announced upgrades and renovations to many state parks, including Quartz Mountain in Greer County. Gov. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on Monday canceled its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q due to "suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-6406. As the 3rd largest industry in the state, Tourism is big business for Oklahoma! In 2016, tourism contributed $8. Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department Announces Grant Opportunities for Recreation and Conservation. 1: Lake Murray State Park, 3323 Lodge Road, Ardmore. Thompson’s bill. AU. Amid intense scrutiny, including an ongoing criminal investigation and forensic audit, into the tourism department's now. AT. . (KSWO) - Oklahoma has a new director of state parks. M. Stay current with seasonal attractions, deals and more. CH. Brochures. The Department of Tourism and Recreation operates under the general supervision of the Executive Director and in accordance with policies formulated by a nine-member Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission. OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, said Wednesday that he is drafting legislation to restore powers to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation. DE. Either way, our job is to promote your attraction, event, lodging facility or restaurant. Toll. Shelley Zumwalt, who was named director of the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism and Recreation in October by Gov. S. But In the first year of the contract with Swadley’s the three restaurants, plus one at Beavers Bend State Park, had a combined net loss of more than $2. Box 52002 Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002 Official website: TravelOK. . ” The people that work at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) truly embody the authenticity and natural joy of the state itself. Job Posting Title Tourism Research Specialist Agency 566 DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND RECREATION Supervisory Organization Administration Division Job… Posted Posted 2 days ago · More. DE. Two bombshells out of the Oklahoma Capitol on Friday as the tourism director is out, and a restaurant group is being sued. In the five. O. This week we are headed to Hulbert, Oklahoma, to check out the Sequoyah State Park. The Oklahoma City-based restaurant company billed the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department $12,433 for a vintage 1956 camper to display at the Sequoyah State Park restaurant near Hulbert. US. The Tourism Department has paid Swadley’s more than $1. 7 million in management fees, construction costs. okcommerce. "I got a call just the other day from the Oklahoma tourism department about my new single, "I'm Going Back to Oklahoma,' and I'm hoping to help them with tourism. To contact a staff member or for travel or tourism requests: Oklahoma Tourism Department. If golf is your game, play a round at The Wolf at Tenkiller, an expertly maintained 18-hole golf course. OKLAHOMA CITY —. CH. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on Monday canceled its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q due to "suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices," the agency. Valid Formats: +1 405-555-1234, 4055551234, (405) 555-1234, 405 555-1234. Oklahoma doesn't have towering, snow-capped mountains, or sugary-white beaches flanking azure-blue oceans. 1Kiamichi Country Tourism 1-800-722-8180. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department P. § 74-2202: Conserve and protect the parkland under the control of the Commission. Why is the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department implementing the Parking Pass Program? A 2019 analysis of state park facilities and infrastructure found that, for years, funding levels have been well below the amount needed to adequately maintain our state parks at a level that would ensure the safe and enjoyable use of our parklands. Gov. Company with Falcone's ties will follow Swadley's as Oklahoma state parks vendor. “Imagine That,” the state’s official branding tagline, illustrates Oklahoma’s lifestyle-rich opportunities that inspire visitors to dream big. Say goodbye to Thanksgiving and hello to Christmas at Bristow's Route 66 Cowboy Christmas. This report results from a review of the LOFT report. com. Fairview, OK 73737. Leads & Data. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department hopes to bring more money to the Sooner State by enticing people living. Effective date. Tourism officials hope a new restaurant chain serving ribeye steaks and burgers dressed with arugula can breathe new life into state parks, but the deal has cost Oklahoma millions of dollars. This new travel guide is the. Brochures. 4. Kevin Stitt said goodbye to the man it was named after, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Executive Director Jerry Winchester. We love to welcome new & familiar visitors to our town year-round! In Summer 2021, we opened our new Welcome Center facility just north of OBU. Oklahoma City, OK. Please limit your order to one copy of each decal per address per 30 days. OKLAHOMA TOURISM AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT. This is the store for TravelOK. The s guide contains nearly 200 pages of fascinating museums, only-in-Oklahoma restaurants, stunning state parks, Route. m. To contact a staff member or for travel or tourism requests: Oklahoma Tourism Department. Over the past couple of weeks, in a planned build-up to Wednesday's big announcement that Zooters Falcone's Pizza is coming to Oklahoma State Parks, Stitt and Co. Sequoyah State Park is a haven for water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. Black Mesa takes its name from the layer of black lava rock that coated the mesa about 30 million years ago. Newsletters. . Revenue (Million) (Counties) (Million) (Million) (Thousand) Local State Total 1 McCurtain, $277 $67 2. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department lost $12. There are growing calls at the state Capitol for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism Executive Director to resign. Grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program are now available through the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. As the 3rd largest industry in the state, Tourism is big business for Oklahoma! In 2016, tourism contributed $8. The park hosts campsites, with fees ranging from $12 to $20 per night as of 2014. Several House Democrats said they want to see Jerry Winchester, the state director of tourism, resign. The restaurants will operate at Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore, Quartz Mountain State Park in Lone. Visit TravelOK. 1 million — an average loss of $529,230 per restaurant, according to the Tourism Department. Gov. CH. iPad. The settlement also allowed the developer to retain more than 700 acres of Lake Texoma State Park. Facebook Photo. Settled on the western plains of Oklahoma, Anadarko has a rich Native American history. Oklahoma Tourism. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. IE. (OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma / April 2, 2019) — The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced today Jerry Winchester has been appointed as the new executive director of the. Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit Package. Rodeos. Dine on everything from barbecue to gourmet cuisine at Oklahoma's homestyle cafes and fashionable restaurants. More:After Swadley's debacle, Oklahoma Tourism is seeking new state park restaurant operators. Travel Promotion Division. Foggy Bottom breakdown: Staff left stranded as legislators call for tourism director's job. Brochures. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department executive director Jerry Winchester, who had come under fire for the state agency’s controversial and now-terminated contract with Swadley’s Foggy. Stay current with seasonal attractions, deals and more. ray. Oklahoma Tourism. Naturally, The Oklahoman and. The Office of the State Auditor and Inspector is committed to serving the public interest by providing independent oversight and by issuing reports that serve as a management tool to the State. Oklahoma Department of Transportation 200 N. It offers products featuring the state's new brand and the Oklahoma Tourism &. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced Monday that it has launched a new “Imagine That” tourism marketing campaign. Passes to AdventureScape, Chickasha Community Theatre, Wild Ox Axe Throwing, ice skating during the Festival of Light, mini-golf at Jungle Ice Fun Zone and a downtown carriage ride at Town's End. NL. IE. Order Free Oklahoma Travel Brochures and Maps Activities in Oklahoma Traffic Maps and Cameras Renew Your Vehicle Registration Tag Online Events in Oklahoma. Claudia Conner joined the state's unemployment agency Monday as chief of staff, a newly created position. Rabon’s concerns stem from a situation in. DE. Stay current with seasonal attractions, deals and. In 2018, the state legislature took oversight of the Tourism Department away from the commission. Oklahoma's tourism agency is recovering from a “toxic environment” and suffers from a lack of financial checks and balances, according to its new executive director. UK. Visit Tulsa Visitor Center. This is the audit report of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department for the period July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2010. These developments enrich our quality of life and attract at least 25% of its visitors from out-of-state. " Juggling a career as an up-and-coming recording star, fulltime wife and mother isn't easy, but Lucas says she's never been happier. Every year the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department produces a travel guide. About Visit Shawnee. Religion in Government: Passing the "Religious Freedom Act" deeming, by law, that religious services and access to their buildings is somehow a right. WATER SAFETY TIPS. Former director of Oklahoma’s unemployment system, Shelley Zumwalt is taking over, trying to clean up the mess left from the state parks maligned deal with the Swadley’s restaurants. US. The director of the state’s tourism and recreation department turned in his resignation amid an ongoing controversy regarding a state parks contract. and it contains information on a variety of one-of-a-kind Oklahoma tourism. Logan Layden / StateImpact Oklahoma Rick Geisler, manager of Wah-Sha-She Park in Osage County, stands on the shore of Hula Lake. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) has the following responsibilities pursuant to 74 O. OKLAHOMA CITY -.