The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) released a report about the economic impact of local parks. The Economic Impact of Local Parks report shows the impact of "operations and capital spending by U.S. local park and recreation agencies in 2021 resulted in nearly $201 billion in economic activity and $196.8 billion in added gross domestic product (GDP) and supported more than 1.1 million jobs that paid salaries, wages, and benefits totaling $63 billion."

 

The report shows that 326,000 full-time and part-time employees in 2021 professionals with more than $41 billion of operations spending across over 10,000 agencies. California employs the most with 105,185 grossing $7,015,817,289 and adding $9,852,445,969 of value to the economy.

"Not only do park and recreation professionals work tirelessly to provide essential physical and mental health and environmental benefits to their communities, but the agencies in which they serve are also powerful engines of economic activity," said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. "This report demonstrates why policymakers and elected officials at all levels of government should prioritize park and recreation funding in communities everywhere now more than ever. The benefits these investments provide are critical to communities nationwide."

According to NRPA's 2023 Engagement With Parks Report, nine in 10 people agree that it is important to fund local park and recreation agencies to ensure every member of the community has equitable access to amenities, infrastructure and programming.