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.

FULL STORY: $140 Billion Reasons Your City Park Is Just Like Disneyland

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 in Next City

Land Use Landscape Architecture United States Parks Open Space National Recreation and Parks Association Economic Impact Study View More

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.