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New report finds every $1 million invested in NYS parks results in $10 million in sales
Information and Image Courtesy of Parks & Trails New York
A new economic impact report conducted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), The Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), and The National Heritage Trust finds the annual GDP of New York state parks and historic sites amounted to $3.7 billion in 2021. This economic impact rivals that of the state’s agricultural sector, which generated $3.3 billion during the same year (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis).
The study, based on data from January through December 2021, examined the growth of visitation, sales, labor income, and GDP among communities that include state parks and historic sites. This information proves the economic value of New York’s state park system, in addition to the growing popularity of public spaces and need for ongoing investment.
The report, titled “New York’s State Parks: The Economic Engine for the State,” found that park visitors generated $5.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in labor income, and $3.7 billion in state GDP in 2021.
The report also finds that state parks funding results in a strong return on investment. Every $1 million invested in parks results in $10 million in sales, $4 million in labor income, and $7 million in state GDP.
Parks visitation continues to grow thanks to this investment in state parks. Of the estimated 78 million visits in 2021, 47 million came from tourists not local to the area – solidifying New York as a premier outdoor destination. These numbers continue to increase, as state sites saw 84 million visitors in 2023.
This influx of tourism benefits local municipalities, businesses and communities in proximity to parks, with visitors spending on park entrance fees, gift shops, recreational equipment, food and beverages, gas stations, local transportation, lodging and other expenses.
“Now in its centennial year, New York’s state park system provides millions of New Yorkers and visitors from across the globe with world-class outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Alicia Harvie, head of community and government affairs at REI Co-op. “This report confirms what we at REI Co-op have long known to be true: Investing in our outdoor places and the ability for everyone to enjoy them is not just a necessity for our health and wellbeing, it serves as a powerful economic driver for communities of all kinds. We celebrate New York’s long legacy of stewarding its natural, historic and cultural resources for the benefit of all.”
Methodology: Data for this report was sourced from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; I Love NY/Empire State Development; and comparable regional and national studies on the impact of tourism and outdoor recreation on localized economies.
Using new methodology, PERI utilized input-output (I-O) models via the IMPLAN service to provide a comprehensive overview of the economy. I-O models document linkages between different sectors, including businesses engaging in inter-industry transactions and purchases made by households and the government.
Parks & Trails New York is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving the health, economy and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. Its mission is to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails, and open spaces throughout this state for use and enjoyment by all.
The Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) promotes human and ecological well-being through its original research. Its approach is to translate what is learned into workable policy proposals that are capable of improving life on this planet today and in the future. PERI is an independent unit of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
The Natural Heritage Trust has worked to preserve New York’s public lands and enhance programs at state parks and historic sites for over 50 years. Its mission is to receive and administer gifts, grants and contributions to further public programs for parks, recreation, cultural, land and water conservation and historic preservation purposes of the state of New York.