About Us
Leadership Team
The Utah Division of State Parks’ Leadership Team is comprised of a director and two deputy directors. While their main office is based out of DNR Headquarters in Salt Lake City, these individuals love outdoor recreation and spend much of their time visiting the outdoors and meeting with park managers, members of the public and local and state officials.
Director
Scott Strong
Director Scott Strong has always felt a strong connection and appreciation for nature. Asking him to choose just one outdoor activity as a favorite would be extremely hard due to the wide variety of them available at state parks. Scott has hiked Frary Peak at Antelope Island State Park, rode ATVs at Wasatch Mountain State Park, floated the river from Green River State Park and wakeboarded at Sand Hollow State Park.
Scott is also passionate about the game of golf. He has played competitively and also is heavily involved in the management and success of the four Utah State Park golf courses. He is a graduate of Weber State University with a degree in business administration and marketing.
Deputy Director
Chris Haramoto
Chris has spent over 20 years dedicated to enhancing visitor experiences across Utah’s state parks. He began his career in 2003 as a park ranger at Antelope Island State Park, later moving into leadership roles as park manager at Hyrum, East Canyon and Lost Creek State Parks. He went on to serve as North Region Manager, overseeing park operations, staff development and community outreach.
As Deputy Director, Chris is focused on increasing access and encouraging broad participation in Utah’s state parks by removing barriers and creating pathways that welcome all visitors to experience these natural spaces.
Deputy Director
Devan Chavez
Devan has always felt connected to the outdoors. Raised in Tooele, Utah, Devan spent his years exploring Utah’s outdoors with his friends and family. He attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and a professional certificate in Parks and Tourism. Devan began his career at Utah State Parks as the assistant public information officer. He was later promoted to the lead public information officer and then associate director. He now serves as the Deputy Director.
Devan is an avid traveler and has enjoyed adventures in Thailand, Nepal, China, England, Canada, Mexico, Eswatini, South Africa, and many places around the U.S. Devan considers health and fitness very important aspects of his life. He competitively coaches martial arts and enjoys hiking, camping, paddle boarding, mountain biking, road cycling, snowboarding and more.
Where Does Your Money Go?
When you purchase an annual pass, campsite or day-use pass for Utah State Parks, you’re gaining access to breathtaking natural landscapes and unforgettable experiences. But did you know that you’re also directly contributing to the betterment of these beautiful parks?
The Utah Division of State Parks has been tasked by the legislature to be operationally self-funded, rather than relying on taxes. This means that every dollar you spend on passes goes back into enhancing and operating the Utah State Parks system!
Our Mission Statement
To enhance the quality of life of Utahns and visitors by preserving and providing natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
State Park System
Services and Functions: We manage Utah’s state park system, which includes operations, planning, and protection of 46 heritage, scenic, and recreation parks.
The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation was officially born in 1957 as the Utah State Parks Commission. The Territorial Statehouse was named the first state park that same year.
Planning and Development
We guide short and long-term site management for each park to protect and interpret each park’s natural and cultural resource base, ensure safe, enjoyable visitor experiences, provide for new visitor opportunities, and develop and enhance facilities to meet visitor needs.