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The mission  of the Big Tent  is to promote sustainable, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Washington state through advocacy and education.

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2025 Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition Weekly Policy Calls

January 17 - end of session
Fridays 12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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#RecreateResponsibly to Protect Yourself, Others, and the Outdoors

During this public health crisis, spending time in outdoor spaces has become even more important for many Americans. Yet these unusual circumstances mean that all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families heading out to their local park for the first time, could use a little guidance about how to stay safe. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself healthy and to maintain access to our parks, trails, and beaches. [ LEARN MORE ]

 

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We Represent
Outdoor Recreation

The power of the Big Tent lies not with any individual or with any shiny advertising or marketing campaigns, but with the combined weight of dozens of organizations and agencies who believe in the collective value of outdoor recreation.

We are an organic group, with no Executive Director.  We come together periodically, meet on an as-needed basis, and gather each year in Olympia to show policy-makers and opinion leaders that outdoor recreation is a critical sector in Washington, one that brings jobs, revenue, active and healthy living, and tourism to a state blessed with mind-numbing natural beauty.  
 
On this website you will find a statement about who we are and how we came to be; a listing of our current members; contacts; information about how you can join us; meeting announcements; links to press releases and topical articles; and of course some background pictures of the outdoors.
 
We hope you find this site helpful, and that you won’t hesitate to tell us how we can add to it and improve.  It belongs to all of us who marvel at the stunning natural resources which make Washington a special place in which to live, work, and play.  Thanks for stopping by!

BigTent Admin
/ Categories: Press

State Parks appoints new agency director

Nationwide recruitment efforts lead to internal talent

As director, Diana Dupuis will serve as the leader for one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse park systems that includes more than 120,000 acres, 124 developed parks, numerous properties and heritage sites and a team of nearly 1,000 dedicated staff.

 

Dupuis’ first day as director will be April 1.

 

Dupuis is currently the region manager in Spokane. Previously, she served as a park ranger, LEAN practitioner, area manager and operations manager. Prior to joining Parks, Dupuis worked as an adjunct faculty member at Green River Community College in the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Criminal Justice. Dupuis also served on the special operations response team with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner office.

 

“I am honored to serve as the next director for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and am grateful for the confidence the Commission has placed in me,” said Dupuis. “I’m excited to work with the Commission, staff, partners, elected officials and members of the public to continue growing our agency and creating welcoming recreational opportunities for all visitors.”

 

Dupuis holds a master’s degree in Anthropology from California State University, Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. She grew up in Indiana and Michigan and spent her childhood immersed in the outdoors year-round. Dupuis enjoys snowshoeing, hiking, running, bird watching and camping with her wife, daughter and stepson.

 

News media contact:

Amanda McCarthy, Interim Communications Director

media@parks.wa.gov

 

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About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

News release number: 21-013

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

View the 2020 Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State for details