Cleveland Metroparks generates an annual economic impact on the community of $855 million annually, according to a new study released today at the Park District's Board of Park Commissioners meeting.
The study, conducted by The Trust for Public Land (TPL), found that Cleveland Metroparks trails and parks increase the value of nearby residential properties by $123 million. The increased residential property values result because people like living near the parks and are willing to pay for the proximity.
The TPL study identified other ways in which the local community derives economic benefit from the Park District. Highlights include:
- Cleveland Metroparks contributes to Cuyahoga County's $6.66 billion yearly tourism industry. Eleven percent of visitors to the county come for the purpose of visiting the outdoors, such as the parks and trails provided by the Park District. Those visitors spend $773 million annually in the local economy and generate $50.5 million in state and local sales taxes.
- The Park District improves air quality and reduces air pollution costs by $14.4 million annually.
- Each year residents of Cuyahoga County receive a benefit of $40.4 million for the direct use of Cleveland Metroparks trails and facilities.
- Park use translates into increased physical activity which yields an annual medical cost savings of $59.5 million.
- Cleveland Metroparks lands provide an annual reduction in stormwater management costs of
$5.1 million.
With support from The Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation, Cleveland Metroparks is one of only a handful of park districts in the country to commission a comprehensive study to quantify its impact on the region's economy,� said Brian Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks Chief Executive Officer. �Residents support Cleveland Metroparks because of the tremendous resources we offer. It's helpful for everyone to know that the Park District is also a key economic driver.�
Cleveland Metroparks is a major employer and a major attraction with almost 16 million visitors each year. Established in 1917, it is the oldest park district in Ohio. Today, Cleveland Metroparks consists of nearly 23,000 acres of land in 18 reservations, over 100 miles of parkways and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Founded in 1972, The Trust for Public Land is the leading nonprofit working to conserve land for people. Operating from more than 30 offices nationwide, The Trust for Public Land has protected more than three million acres from the inner city to the wilderness and helped generate more than $34 billion in public funds for conservation. Nearly ten million people live within a ten-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.
For more information contact Sue Allen at 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com
Copies of �The Economic Benefits of Cleveland Metroparks� are available at www.clevelandmetroparks.com/EconomicImpact or by mail.