NRPA Issues Updated Report on the Economic Impact of Local Parks

A new report issued by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is designed to demonstrate the vast economic impact of local parks in the United States.. According to the report, operations and capital spending by New England’s local parks was responsible for almost $2,615,000, 000 in economic activity and supported over 21,900 jobs.

Developed in partnership with the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, the report shows that nationally local parks generate more than $154 billion in economic activity and support more than 1.1 million jobs from the operations and capital spending in 2015.

Dr. Terry Clower, lead investigator for the study, observed “Local and regional park systems are growing in economic importance, not only as generators of jobs and local business opportunity, but as major contributors to local quality of life.” Clower further noted that quality of life and the availability of recreation amenities is increasingly important for attracting and retaining workers and employers, which extends the economic impacts of park and recreation spending beyond what is captured in the current study.

To access a copy of the report, please visit:

Economic Impact of Local Parks Report:Executive Summary

NRPA: The Economic Impact of Local Parks (2018)

Background information:

National Recreation and Park Association

2017 NRPA Americans' Engagement with Parks Survey