Local Parks Provide $140 Billion in Economic Activity

Parks aren't always justified in economic terms, but a new report finds $140 billion reasons why parks are a positive addition to local communities.

1 minute read

December 10, 2015, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Rachel Dovey shares news of a report by the National Recreation and Parks Association quantifying the economic benefit of local parks to the U.S. economy.

According to the report titled "The Economic Impact of Local Parks" [pdf], the nation's city parks generated almost $140 billion in economic activity in 2013. The report, created by researchers from the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, "compared operating impacts and capital spending to come up with 'total impacts,' including economic activity, labor income and employment." The report also includes 21 case studies of a variety of city parks from all over the country.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 in Next City

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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