"The Benefits of Parks and Recreation to our Economy" City of Fairfield website

The Benefits of Parks and Recreation to our Economy

Parks, recreation, and open space are not mere expenditures, but an investment in the future well-being of individuals and groups, our future, as well as the continued viability of communities and the world.

Parks, open spaces, the arts and recreation:

* Attract new businesses
* Increase tourism
* Boost the economy
* Lower health care costs
* Decrease Insurance premiums
* Reduce unemployment
* Boost employee productivity
* Curb employee absenteeism
* Generate revenue

Just the Facts:

A Brown University study reported that the United States could save $20 billion per year in healthcare costs if every American walked for an hour a day. (As reported in "One Small Step for Mankind," in the Hartford Advocate, 10/12/95. p.23)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association reported that Americans spent $150 billion on leisure related stays in 2000. That's 59% of the total American hotel/motel industry ($2.54 billion) for the year.

"In my view wholesome pleasure, sport and recreation are as vital to this nation as productive work and should have a large share in the national budget." Walt Disney