Email. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A lucrative deal that allowed an Oklahoma barbecue restaurateur to have the state subsidize more than $2 million in operational losses at new state park restaurants is being terminated due to “suspected fraudulent activity,” the state’s tourism department said Monday. 4. Use this form to submit your event to the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department for a free listing on TravelOK. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has opened an investigation into the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and their dealings with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q at the request of Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater. 6 billion to Oklahoma’s economy in direct visitor spending, generating $627. Stiles Avenue Suite 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Events & Partnerships. 7, 2022 at 8:58 AM PST OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. According to a report from The Oklahoman, one of the concerns is likely a contract with a local restaurant chain. ”Local Phone. 575. Solicitation 5660001148. Oklahoma, USA. March 2020: March 2020: The tourism department, at the time under the direction of Jerry Winchester, awards Swadley's the initial contract to renovate and run the restaurants at six state parks. The bill is a response to a recent contract the agency’s former director approved with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q, which drew multiple. Mike Osburn Phone: (405) 557-7360 -END-. Connect with us. 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. Find an Agency. 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. “I am confident that. 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 -. land and water conservation fund. The Department’s Travel Promotions division administers programs designed to build awareness of the state as a destination and educates on the economic importance of the. Discover the ultimate in outdoor adventures, drive Route 66, experience rich Native American cultures or trek through big city delights,. 14-16. The Travel & Tourism Division of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department provides services to both the tourism industry and potential Oklahoma travelers. Email Website. There is hereby created an Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Advisory Committee which shall advise the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department on matters of statewide tourism promotion. AU. In mid-June, the Tourism and Recreation Department began charging parking fees at 22 of the state’s most-trafficked parks to help cover a backlog of deferred maintenance and park improvements. Cultural & Informational Centers · Oklahoma, United States · <25 Employees. And now the new 2022 version is available. OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. mcgoldrick@okcommerce. View Comments. Discover Oklahoma is Oklahoma's favorite weekly travel program, helping you find tucked away attractions, roadside eateries and grand adventures. Phone: 405-521-3356. Menu Brochures. Over 17 percent of Oklahoma children are classified as obese and this program works to decrease that number by promoting fun physical activity, park-specific challenges and. The department has paid Swadley's an additional $17 million since entering the contract for concessions in 2020, the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency reported. " Swadley's was told to cease operations by no later than April 27 at all six open properties. A. With over 19,000 surface acres of water and 225 miles of shoreline on Fort Gibson Lake, the park attracts boaters and beach-goers alike. com Email: Information@TravelOK. Fairview, OK 73737. Online reservations must be made for all RV and tent campsites. Kevin Stitt. Downtown in December. Order Free Oklahoma Travel Brochures and Maps Activities in Oklahoma Traffic Maps and Cameras Renew Your Vehicle Registration Tag Online Events in Oklahoma. 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. have gone out of their way to promote Shelley Zumwalt – the pretty new face and leader of the Oklahoma Travel and Tourism Department. Title 725 Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation. As of late, here are some things Oklahoma has going on: Death Penalty: Enough said. The report raised questions on millions of dollars the Tourism Department spent on a contract with Swadley’s Foggy Bottom, a private company that has opened six restaurants at state parks over the past two years, as first reported by The Frontier. 08/28/2022. Email*. Emergency. Gov. Leads & Data. Operative has been paid $259,065. The Oklahoma Trails Advisory Board (OTAB) has nine members, seven of whom represent various types of trails use statewide, and two at-large members. Online reservations must be made for all RV and tent campsites. The Executive Director at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department is named in two lawsuits claiming she fired former employees of two other state agencies based on their age, according to. About us. 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 park hosts campsites, with fees ranging from $12 to $20 per night as of 2014. Feb. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT. com Jan. Newsletters. 2 million marketing campaign on Monday to inspire residents to travel close to home and lure more tourists to the state. Shelley Zumwalt, who was named director of the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism and Recreation in October by Gov. After a failed attempt to solicit bids for a new operator shortly after terminating its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q in April, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation is once again. >> Previous coverage: Legislative committee created to probe Swadley’s deal with state parksIt's the first investigative committee called by the state legislature to form in years. Local Phone Ext. Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree & Blackberry Farm 405-340-5488 | christmas-tree. Department of Public Safety. Wednesday, April 5th 2023, 12:29 pm. This spring-fed river has a designated trout area in the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Kevin Stitt addressed an investigation into Swadley's Bar-B-Q Friday afternoon. This special discount is good year-round and can be redeemed when booking your stay at any park by simply choosing the MIL. AT. Tourism Is Oklahoma’s third-largest industry, and never is the focus more intensified on Native American culture than during Red Earth. In the amazing solitude of this scenic area, the wide open spaces dotted with. Apply to Agent, Laborer, Outreach Coordinator and more!Oklahoma’s state parks are run by the State Parks Division within the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. 56600 Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Lead Administrator: Jerry Winchester Lead Financial Officer: Katherine Nichols FY'23 Requested Funding By Department and Source Dept. Receive the latest Oklahoma travel information and deals by selecting the Newsletters that you'd like to receive. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Tourism and Recreation Department canceled its lease concession agreement with Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen on Monday due to suspected fraudulent activity. Experience Oklahoma City, Tulsa and authentic hometowns along the Mother Road where you'll meet friendly people and find. Fox 25 provides, news, sports, weather and local event coverage in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, including McLoud, Shawnee, Tecumseh, Seminole, Wewoka. Every year the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department produces a travel guide. Route 66. com, the official website for Oklahoma Tourism. Brochures. “Imagine That,” the state’s official branding tagline, illustrates Oklahoma’s lifestyle-rich opportunities that inspire visitors to dream big. IE. Nov 28, 2023. 1: Lake Murray State Park, 3323 Lodge Road, Ardmore. By: News 9. Book a treatment with one of the studio's experienced professionals then finish out. CH. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department P. Honobia Bigfoot Festival & Conference. Oklahoma has divided its diverse landscape into six regions or "countries" - each with a distinct flavor, image and unique cities. The Oklahoma Department of Recreation and Tourism has announced the restaurant group that will take over operations at six state parks. Oklahoma City, OK 73105. The state said goodbye to the Winchester Burger on Monday, and on Friday Gov. "It really befuddles me that Jerry. For purposes of this report, the state bureaucracy responsible for administering parks will merely be referred to as “Parks. Gov. 7, 2022 at 8:58 AM PST. Book your stay and see why Lake Thunderbird is one of central Oklahoma's most popular recreation areas. The. Sign up now for the OK. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department is seeking a new business to take over restaurant and concession operations in state parks after the agency canceled its contract with Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen. The Oklahoma Fishing Trail is a cooperative effort of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Indulge in an all-day shopping excursion with a trip to The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City with more than 100 incredible stores or to Utica Square in Tulsa, an elegant outdoor village packed with specialty shops, restaurants and high-caliber department stores. 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. has tapped a current state agency head to take over as the director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. UK. Browse through our attraction categories to discover interesting new destinations and fun things to do throughout the state. NZ. 900 N. AU. Over the past few years, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department has embarked upon a huge campaign to modernize and streamline. May 4, 2023. AT. 29, 2022) ' State Treasurer Randy McDaniel today unveiled a new name, branding and website for the state's direct-sold 529 plan. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services on behalf of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) is soliciting bids for a central sprinkler control system along with sprinkler heads, to be used at the Grand Cherokee Golf Course in Vinita, Oklahoma. Phone: 918-824-1601. 5 miles from Murray Harbor, a marina the state Tourism and Recreation Department broke ground on in May 2020. Announces New Restaurant Group For State Parks Colby Thelen The Oklahoma Department of Recreation and Tourism has announced the restaurant group that will take over. Maps for public use are free of charge at any of the Tourism Welcome Centers statewide, all ODOT division offices and the Tourism and Recreation. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Tourism and Recreation Department canceled its lease concession agreement with Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen on Monday due to suspected fraudulent activity. UK. com About Oklahoma. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105. Oklahoma Tourism Development Act. Just under a year after terminating its contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q for operation of restaurants at six of its state parks, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation announced it was awarding a new contract to La Ratatouille. (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. Family and Health. The settlement also allowed the developer to retain more than 700 acres of Lake Texoma State Park. 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. That comes after he signed off on the lucrative state parks. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102-6406. Toll-free: 1-800-652-6552. Named after the Seminole Nation, one of the Five Civilized Tribes that settled in the area, Seminole, Oklahoma is home to Seminole State College and the challenging Jimmie Austin Municipal Golf Course. TRANSCRIPT Announcer: Capitol Insider sponsored by the Oklahoma State Medical Association, physician members who devote more than 11 years of higher. Business Expansion Incentive Program. Mission Statement; History; Executive Staff; Careers; FAQs;. From the city lights of Tulsa to nostalgic drives on Route 66, and outdoor recreation among lakes and gently rolling hills, Green Country offers plenty to see and do. This report results from a review of the LOFT report. By Tyler Boydston Published: Feb. A once popular southwest Oklahoma vacation destination is getting a face lift. NL. The Black Mesa plateau is Oklahoma’s highest point at 4,973 feet and rewards hikers with a rare view of a tri-state area. Oklahoma Travel Brochures. Midwest City, OK. Oklahoma Gov. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Park Office: 918-865-4991. Another $119,440 went to build an elaborate fake mine shaft and cover other construction costs at Robbers Cave State Park near. Be the first to receive our latest news and events. Find a great place to stay in Oklahoma! Explore upscale boutique hotels, quirky Route 66 motels, cozy cabins, state park lodges, guest ranches and romantic bed & breakfasts. The plan formerly known as the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) will be called Oklahoma 529. Officials say the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has paid $13 million to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants to renovate and run the Foggy Bottom Kitchens in certain Oklahoma state parks. The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department hired James Timberlake in the role. Valid Formats: +1 405-555-1234, 4055551234, (405) 555-1234, 405 555-1234. With 9 state parks and close to a million acres of wildlife, it’s little wonder. little@okcommerce. The new Oklahoma Route 66 Passport “will help Route 66 travelers find new destinations to explore and earn great prizes along the way,” the Tourism Department said in a news release. Site Map ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. Officials say the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has paid $13 million to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants to renovate and run the Foggy Bottom Kitchens in certain Oklahoma state parks. Oklahoma. 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. Menu Brochures. com, the State of Oklahoma's official travel and tourism website. “This case includes. The article states the department paid around $17 million to Swadley’s BBQ. Tulsa Route 66 Main Street. Education. The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department works to preserve, maintain and promote the state’s natural assets and cultural richness through tourism. Date Aired:. Feb. Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announces the appointment of Shelley Zumwalt to serve as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. Email Website. McAlester Tourism Department PO Box 578, McAlester 74502 (918) 420-EXPO [email protected] CITY – Controversy continues to swirl around a popular BBQ chain and the State Department of Tourism. ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. A longtime government attorney has been hired to oversee staff at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. There’s a dune access fee. Address: Main St. IE. The state paid about $100,000 and private groups covered the other costs, Pinnell said, calling it a bargain. UK. 10% of Oklahoma Tourism And Recreation Department employees are Unknown. 25 each. Spend some time taking in local culture at the annual. The. For general website feedback please contact the OMES Service Desk. Midwest City, OK. E. About Oklahoma. Feb 7, 2020. iPhone. This guide will provide the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department 900 N. The CDBG map shows current and historical data on CDBG projects and locations. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) has the following responsibilities pursuant to 74 O. The restaurants have been rebranded by their new operator La Ratatouille and will use the name The Lookout Kitchen. Nov 23, 2023. Site Map ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. This office promotes Oklahoma as a. Hearing an advertisement for the Oklahoma Tourism Department on this podcast. It offers products featuring the state's new brand and the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department brands. Monthly TravelOK eNewsletter. (KSWO) - Oklahoma has a new director of state parks. – 5:00 p. Parks Directory. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. About Visit Shawnee. Visit Oklahoma City, the state capital and a vibrant destination filled with fun attractions and a wide range of experiences. 550 S Gary Pl. This 54-mile route that twists and turns throughout the towering hardwoods and evergreen pines of the Ouachita National Forest. Steven. Thompson’s bill. It generated $9. DIVISION OF STATE PARKS – FEDERAL GRANTS SECTION 123 ROBERT S. Visitors Agencies. Go camping, cast a line on the lake or enjoy hunting for. The Tulsa Opera is proud to feature soprano Sarah Coburn in a special evening of opera this December. US. Vian is also home to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts the largest concentration of snow geese in the state. Apply to Senior Maintenance Person, Agent, Laborer and more!50,000 copies produced by Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and Green Country Marketing Association in cooperation with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department at a cost of $. Route 66 Christmas Chute. 5:28. Kevin Stitt. You can expect your brochures to arrive within 10-14 business days. Under general supervision, the incumbent provides general information about tourism for the state of Oklahoma. According to a report from The Oklahoman, one of the concerns is likely a contract with a local restaurant chain. Jan. Board of Psychologists Examiners. 2: Roman Nose State Park, 3236 S OK-8A, Watonga. Officials say the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has paid $13 million to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants to renovate and run the Foggy Bottom Kitchens in certain Oklahoma state parks. Box 52002 Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002 Official website: TravelOK. PUBLIC HEARING: A public hearing will be held on March 18, 2022, at 9:30 . Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department average salary is 54 percent lower. The State Capitol Tourism Information Center is a resource center on statewide attractions, events and lodging. Native American & Western Heritage. 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. Toll. Tourism Industry. The Oklahoma Legislature will not act this legislative session to change the power structure at the state's Tourism and Recreation Department as a result of the agency's questionable deal with a local barbecue chain. Subscribe to all newsletters. Photo Credit: Oklahoma Tourism Continue reading below. Information Technology. UK. “When it comes to taxpayer money, we have to. AT. S. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. Coburn, an Oklahoma native, has performed with operas and orchestras around the world including the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Seattle. 2023. Then rest in a comfortable lodge or cabin, or camp in your own tent or RV. With the independent, credible information LOFT is now providing, Oklahoma can make much more effective use of taxpayer resources," McCall said. Get Contact Info for All Departments. 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. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation. IE. Talimena National Scenic Byway. Tishomingo, OK 73460. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced Tuesday that it is now accepting applications for grant funding through the Recreational Trails Program. 7 million, up from 9. Email. McAlester is the county seat and economic hub of Pittsburg County, located at the crossing of State Highways 69 and 270. Months after a resignation, spurred by scandal, the Oklahoma Tourism Department has a new leader. Buyer's Guide. Wednesday, July 20, 2022. — UPDATE, 4/28/2022: While Gov. Visit Elk City. An hour west of Enid in the rural town of Fairview rests a true Oklahoma treasure: Gloss Mountain State Park. The local spa offers a variety of services including facials, wraps, reflexology, massage therapy and more. With hundreds of man-made lakes, state parks, casinos, museums and nightlife and dining opportunities in revitalized. US. The Trail has six loops, one. UK. April 25, 2022 · 6 min read. Get a sense of the natural allure of Oklahoma by visiting one of our 32 state parks. Red Earth Treefest. 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. Financing. Newsletters. Who We Serve We represent tourism-related businesses and citizens throughout Oklahoma, developing the membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually. 7. 123 Robert S Kerr Ave. The LOFT report was also critical of the department's contract with Swadley's to manage the new state park restaurants. 5:28. Photo Credit: Oklahoma Tourism. The Tulsa Opera is proud to feature soprano Sarah Coburn in a. ok. If golf is your game, play a round at The Wolf at Tenkiller, an expertly maintained 18-hole golf course. Oklahoma City, OK 73124-8937. Jeff Rabon on Tuesday called upon the Oklahoma Tourism Department to adopt a zero tolerance policy on discrimination and requested that Attorney General Drew Edmonson examine potential contractual irregularities with an employee at Beaver’s Bend State Park in Broken Bow. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's comprehensive site containing travel information, attractions, lodging, dining, and events. OF+MO was previously part of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreational Department. Usually it’s the last week of October, into the beginning of November,” said Miki. Explore the captivating towns dotting this magnificently rugged. comMaps for public use are free of charge at any of the Tourism Welcome Centers statewide, all ODOT division offices and the Tourism and Recreation Department warehouse. Southeast Region. "| MORE | Lawsuit, resignation mark the newest turns in state parks' contract with Swadley'sLawmakers now ask what needs to happen to prevent another failed contract, costing Oklahoma taxpayers millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs. The last time the department. 1Kiamichi Country Tourism 1-800-722-8180. 6 billion in direct visitor spending, $708 million in local and state tax revenue and providing jobs for 103,600 Oklahomans in 2018. Designed with our partners at Visit Widget, this tool provides a. “Imagine That,” the state’s official branding tagline, illustrates Oklahoma’s lifestyle-rich opportunities that inspire visitors to dream big. Site Map ©2023 Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. Adventure Tourism Jobs | Adventure Tourism Jobs BC. Business Expansion Incentive Program. Their executive director spoke on Tuesday about the original report that kicked off multiple investigations. Family and Health. Address: 119 E Choctaw Ave. Oklahoma Department of Transportation 200 N. Tommy Emmanuel in Concert. 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. 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. 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. Feb. Oklahoma doesn't have towering, snow-capped mountains, or sugary-white beaches flanking azure-blue oceans. Several House Democrats said they want to see Jerry Winchester, the state director of tourism, resign. The Daily. The Gloss Mountains, sometimes called the Glass Mountains, have a high Selenite content that mimics a shiny glass exterior. Officials say the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has paid $13 million to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants to renovate and run the Foggy Bottom Kitchens in certain Oklahoma state parks. Mission Statement; History; Executive Staff; Careers; FAQs; Calendar; ADA/Title VI Information; Join our newsletter. Stay current with seasonal attractions, deals and. 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. Oklahoma has divided its diverse landscape into six regions or "countries" - each with a distinct flavor, image and unique cities. from Room 206. Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department P. so here with us today to break down some of those numbers and all the exciting things in our future is executive director shelly. She attributes her new success to. She has more than 15 years of state government and legal experience, and most recently served as. Visit Shawnee is the City of Shawnee, OK's Department of Tourism. Brochures. UK. Oklahoma City, OK. Under cover, too, was. Stay current with seasonal attractions, deals and more. Currently, the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism has complete authority over agency contracts and spending. Officials say the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department has paid $13 million to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants to renovate and run the Foggy Bottom Kitchens in certain Oklahoma state parks. 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. Stitt doesn’t explicitly discuss the deal between Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, he. The case previously had been led by. M. IE. Religion in Government: Passing the "Religious Freedom Act" deeming, by law, that religious services and access to their buildings is somehow a right. LOFT is the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency. Keystone State Park is located in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Tulsa, on picturesque Keystone Lake. Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, filed Senate Bill 4, which would rescind the Governor’s authority to hire the leader of Oklahoma’s Tourism and Recreation Department. IE. AT. Two bombshells out of the Oklahoma Capitol on Friday as the tourism director is out, and a restaurant group is being sued. The Tourism Department’s costs to launch Foggy Bottom restaurants at state parks ballooned to $16. grant application and guide. Prior to this appointment Zumwalt served as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission since May of 2020. Phone: 918-582-3133. Southwest Region. com. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department lost $12.