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Northeast Ohio is a nature lover's paradise, with over 136,000 acres of park systems spread across its 16 counties. Summit and Cuyahoga counties alone feature three expansive park systems and a plethora of local city, town, and municipal parks, covering more than 75,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic Cuyahoga River water trails, the serene Lake Erie coastline, and towering rock faces waiting to be discovered. With tireless efforts to preserve these natural wonders—like the conservation of Theiss Woods and the removal of Gorge Dam—it's essential that everyone has access to these outdoor treasures.​

 

There is a vibrant community of adventure enthusiasts, outfitters, businesses, organizations, and affinity groups, all dedicated to connecting people to the outdoors. However, OTC has identified a significant gap: many of these groups are unaware of others in their field, where they operate, or how to connect. This often results in each group duplicating efforts or operating in isolation, whether by geographic area (Cleveland, Akron, Lorain Co, Portage Co, etc.) or by specific activity (hiking, biking, paddling, etc.). This lack of connectivity hampers collaboration and makes planning time-consuming for everyone!

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That's why Open Trail Collective is thrilled to introduce the NEO Outdoor Adventure Festival and NEO Outdoor Adventure Directory!

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Phase 1: NEO Outdoor Adventure Fest + Directory

NEO Outdoor Adventure Fest

Get excited about the NEO Outdoor Adventure Festival coming May 2025, in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls, Amphitheater and Pavilion area (2085 Front Street). This event will be a celebration of our coolest parks, grassroots organizations, and local businesses. Expect opportunities to connect, collaborate, listen to engaging speakers, participate in educational outdoor programming, hang out in a kids zone for family-friendly fun, and more! Topics for speakers include making NEO an outdoor adventure hub, creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented communities, environmental stewardship, and updates on the Gorge Dam.

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Plan your next adventure while exploring everything that NEOhio has to offer!

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But why wait until May? Get a sneak peek at the excitement with Autumn Antics, a mini version of our larger festival. Join us on October 5, 2024, at Falls Outdoor Co for a taste of what's to come and help fundraise for the spring event.

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NEO Outdoor Directory

We're also launching the NEO Outdoor Adventure Directory—a comprehensive, searchable collection of all outdoor-based organizations and recreation companies in Northeast Ohio. This directory will provide visibility into each group's goals and opportunities for collaboration. From affinity groups and gear companies to adventure outfitters and volunteer opportunities, this directory will make planning outdoor experiences and networking a breeze.

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Directory Membership Tiers:​

  • Tier 2 ($5/yr): "verified listing" with your logo.

  • Tier 3 ($20/yr):  "verified listing" with logo and additional brand info and photos. 

  • Title Sponsorship ($2,000): for title sponsorship "NEO Adventure Directory sponsored by [your organization]!"

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Phase 2: Front Country Leadership Program + Gear Lending Library

Starting ~2026, we'll launch the Front Country Leadership Program and Gear Lending Library. This overnight training program will equip outdoor recreation leaders with essential skills and camping equipment, empowering them to create meaningful outdoor experiences for youth and adults. Graduates will gain access to our Gear Lending Library, significantly lowering barriers to outdoor recreation.

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Benefits of our NEO Outdoor Industry Projects

1. Enhanced Connectivity and Collaboration

  • Networking Opportunities: By bringing together a wide array of outdoor organizations, affinity groups, and local businesses, the NEO Outdoor Adventure Expo and Directory foster an environment ripe for networking. This enhanced connectivity allows for greater collaboration, resource sharing, and partnership opportunities among stakeholders.

  • Comprehensive Directory: The NEO Outdoor Adventure Directory will provide a centralized, easily accessible resource for all outdoor enthusiasts, making it simple to find and connect with organizations, groups, and services that align with their interests and needs.

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2. Increased Accessibility and Inclusivity

  • Inclusive Programming: By highlighting organizations that cater to underrepresented communities, including racial, gender, religious, and (dis)ability groups, the program promotes inclusivity in outdoor activities. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to engage with and enjoy the natural beauty of Northeast Ohio.

  • Gear Lending Library: The future Gear Lending Library will reduce financial barriers to outdoor recreation by providing access to necessary equipment, allowing more people to experience and enjoy camping and other outdoor activities without the upfront cost of purchasing gear.

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3. Environmental Stewardship

  • Education and Advocacy: Through educational programming and advocacy initiatives, the program will increase awareness about environmental conservation and the importance of preserving natural resources. Engaging the community in these efforts fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and responsibility.

  • Positive Correlation: Research indicates that increased engagement in outdoor activities correlates with heightened environmental awareness and stewardship. By encouraging more people to get outside, the program indirectly promotes the protection and preservation of natural landscapes.

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4. Health and Well-Being

  • Physical Health: Regular participation in outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking and camping, contributes to improved physical health. These programs promote an active lifestyle, encouraging community members to stay fit and healthy through outdoor recreation.

  • Mental Health: Nature has a well-documented positive impact on mental health. Activities in natural settings can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, enhancing overall well-being. The program's focus on outdoor engagement provides mental health benefits to participants.

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5. Community Building

  • Sense of Belonging: By creating spaces where people can connect over shared interests in outdoor activities, the program fosters a sense of community and belonging. This strengthens social bonds and builds a supportive network of outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Skill Development: The program's focus on education and skill-building, particularly through the Front Country Leadership Program, empowers individuals with the knowledge and confidence to lead outdoor activities. This not only benefits the leaders themselves but also the wider community as they facilitate enriching outdoor experiences for others.

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6. Economic Growth

  • Local Business Support: The NEO Outdoor Adventure Fest and Directory will spotlight local businesses, driving traffic and sales to outdoor gear companies, adventure outfitters, and related enterprises. This boosts the local economy and supports small businesses.

  • Tourism: By promoting Northeast Ohio as an outdoor adventure hub, the program attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from outside the region, contributing to the area's economic development through increased tourism revenue.

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Summary

These NEO Outdoor Industry Projects offer a multitude of benefits, ranging from enhanced connectivity and inclusivity to improved health, environmental stewardship, community building, and economic growth. By making outdoor activities accessible and enjoyable for everyone, the program not only enriches individual lives but also strengthens the broader community and preserves the natural beauty of Northeast Ohio for future generations.

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Please contact Kara Lapso 440-537-4849 or kara@opentrailcollective.org for more information!

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