By Sarah Rayner
Oklahoma City, Ok – Legislative efforts to further privatize state parks or golf parks could be problematic. This is according to Deby Snodgrass, the new head of Oklahoma's Tourism and Recreation Department, who testified Thursday before the House Economic Development Committee. The committee is conducting an interim study on privatizing state parks, also including lodges and golf courses.
Appointed by Republican Gov. Mary Fallin, Snodgrass says Oklahoma has taken several steps in recent years to privatize some parts of its state park system. These steps include concessions like horseback riding and boat rentals.
Earlier in the year Snodgrass closed seven state parks because of budget cuts, and received criticism by several Democratic lawmakers.