Column: Local Parks as economic drivers
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Idaho Falls is blessed with an incredible park system offering a myriad of recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. We love our local and regional parks for many reasons. They are places where we connect with our families, friends and neighbors, where we walk, bicycle, exercise, play sports, golf, read or connect with nature and wildlife.
Our local parks were established to preserve our natural, historical and cultural heritage. They lead the way in close-to-home conservation and are important assets that turn our neighborhoods into vibrant, connected and healthier communities. However, our local and regional parks have not been fully appreciated for the economic spark they bring to the community.
“Parks are often patted on the head and people think they are nice things to have,” says Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association. “But the reality is we create jobs, we generate economic activity and we make our communities healthier, greener and more equitable, how many other industries can make this claim?”
In a recently released study, The Economic Impact of Local Parks, the first-ever nationwide study that measured the economic impact of local parks, researchers found that local park and recreation systems are responsible for $140 billion in economic activity and support one million jobs in local economies. This landmark study definitively shows that local and regional park systems provide economic multipliers to all areas of their communities.
Statewide, the study found that the economic impact of Idaho’s local and regional parks annually produces more than $450 million in economic activity, generates nearly $191 million in salaries and wages, and supports more than 3,670 jobs.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, when we factor in consumer spending on tourism and outdoor recreation in Idaho, not including hunting and fishing, that economic impact dramatically increases to include 77,000 jobs, $6.3 billion in consumer spending, $1.8 billion in wages and $461 million in state and local tax revenues.
That is a significant economic impact and important for the public, lawmakers and other leaders to realize as we consider priorities, legislation, funding and other plans to invest in local parks and recreation, and in turn, the prospering of our local communities.
One such plan that the City of Idaho Falls Department of Parks and Recreation is currently working on is the development of a comprehensive Tautphaus Park Master Plan that will guide the park priorities for the next five to 20 years. Please plan to join with your neighbors, hear about the master planning process and discuss your ideas for the future of the park on Wednesday, February 24 from 7-9pm at the Marriot Residence Inn on Broadway Street.
If you are unable to attend, please go to www.IFParkPlans.com to comment, complete a park survey and follow the planning process. We encourage you to help us plan the future of Idaho Falls’ oldest park that will aim to enhance existing features, develop an action plan for renovations and identify possible future enhancements that will have a direct impact on our future economy.
Greg A. Weitzel is Parks & Recreation Director for the city of Idaho Falls.