Department of Natural Resources. Division of Parks and Recreation

The mission of the Division is to enhance the quality of life by preserving and providing natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

Purpose: "Protect, preserve, and manage the state's natural and cultural resources by promoting outdoor ethics and cultivating responsible use of resources."__(From "Capitol Connections" newsletter, volume 1, issue 6, October 1993, page 4.)

The division is headed by a director who is appointed by the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources with the concurrence of the board of parks and recreation....?"The policy-making body of the division is a board of parks and recreation consisting of seven members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate." (From "State and Local Government in Utah," 1992 ed., pp. 181-182.)

The Parks & Rec Division's director, Fred Hayes, passed away in his home, early March 2018. It was unexpected and sudden. He was originally appointed division director in 2012.In June of 2018, Jeff Rasmussen, former deputy director of Parks & Rec, was appointed the new division director by DNR director Mike Styler.(RMW)

"Several years ago the Provo-Jordan River Parkway Authority ceased to operate as a separate division and became part of the division of parks and recreation known as the river enhancement program. An advisory council composed of 11 members appointed by the governor is designated to advise the division on river enhancement matters." (From "State and Local Government in Utah," 1992 ed., page 182.)