Report Details

Property Values

The studies essentially used John L. Crompton’s research on the Proximate Principle. The calculation involves estimating the market value of homes within 500 feet of a park and then using a very conservative multiplier to estimate the incremental value attributable to park proximity. The local tax rate was applied to the market value to estimate the incremental tax benefit as well. Resources/Articles: Property Values:

The Economic Benefits of the Park and Recreation System of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina – The Trust for Public Land (2010)
- http://cloud.tpl.org/pubs/ccpe_MecklenburgNC_econben.pdf
The Economic Benefits of Cleveland Metroparks – Trust for Public Land (2018)
- https://www.tpl.org/clevelandeconbenefits#sm.0000hrqebqa2he59x3x2fxbguuwkv
Specific link to proximity values: The Impact of Parks on Property Values: Empirical Evidence from the Past Two Decades in the United States

http://agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/cromptonrpts/files/2011/06/4_1_6.pdf

John Crompton’s work: https://rpts.tamu.edu/the-proximate-principle-impact-of-parks-on-property-value/

Health Savings

Based on previous work in health care economics (including a National Medical Expenditures Survey that has been widely cited), this calculator assigns a value of $1,230 as the annual medical cost savings of adults under 65 years old, who exercise regularly (according to the CDC guidelines for levels for moderate and/or vigorous physical activity levels). The assigned value of $1,230 was doubled to $2,460 for adults over 65, because seniors typically incur 2-3 times the average healthcare expenditures of working-age people.

Resources/Articles: Health Savings:

The Economic Benefits of the Park and Recreation System of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina – The Trust for Public Land (2010)
- http://cloud.tpl.org/pubs/ccpe_MecklenburgNC_econben.pdf
The Economic Benefits of Cleveland Metroparks – Trust for Public Land (2018)
- https://www.tpl.org/clevelandeconbenefits#sm.0000hrqebqa2he59x3x2fxbguuwkv
M. Pratt, C. A. Macera, and G. Wang, “Higher Direct 103 Medical Costs Associated with Physical Inactivity,” Physician and Sports Medicine 28, no. 10 (2000): 63–70.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3810/psm.2000.10.1237

Environmental Impact

Parks have been proven to positively impact the environment and reduce the cost of environmental impacts for communities related to storm water management, pollution mitigation, energy consumption, and other issues. The calculator strives to utilize currently published data to quantify the positive environmental impacts in terms of the appropriate unit measurement (I.e. Gallons of storm water mitigated) and the monetary value of these impacts. The two calculations consider the impacts in terms of number of trees as well as the number of acres of parkland.

Resources/Articles

Urban Forestry Tree Guide: Florida Regions – US Forest Service (2006–2010)
- https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/urban_forestry/products/tree_guides.shtml
STRATUM Climate Zones Map
- https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/urban_forestry/images/ncz_map.jpg
Central Florida Community Tree Guide: Benefits, Costs, and Strategic Planting
- https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/urban_forestry/products/2/psw_cufr797_psw_gtr230.pdf
Coastal Plain Community Tree Guide: Benefits, Costs, and Strategic Planting
- https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/urban_forestry/products/2/cufr_679_gtr201_coastal_tree_guide.pdf
Tropical Community Tree Guide: Benefits, Costs, and Strategic Planting
- https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/urban_forestry/products/2/psw_cufr753_psw_gtr216.pdf
The Economic Benefits of the Park and Recreation System of Mecklenburg County, North Caroline – The Trust for Public Land (2010
- http://cloud.tpl.org/pubs/ccpe_MecklenburgNC_econben.pdf
The Economic Benefits of Cleveland Metroparks – Trust for Public Land (2018)
- https://www.tpl.org/clevelandeconbenefits#sm.0000hrqebqa2he59x3x2fxbguuwkv

Tourism Impact

Event/Visitor Tourism articles:

Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Economic Impact Assessment for the Florida State Park System
Florida Sports Foundation – The Economic Impact of the Florida Sports Industry
Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation Activities in Florida
Oxford Economics – The Economic Impact of Out-of-State Visitors in Florida
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior – National Park Spending Effects
The American Planning Association – How Cities Use Parks to Promote Tourism
Outdoor Industry Association – The Outdoor Recreation Economy
Americans for the Arts – Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 – The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Organizations & Their Audiences
Journal of Park and Recreation Administration – The Impact of 30 Sports Tournaments, Festivals, and Spectator Events in Seven U.S. Cities

Public Safety

Parks that offer spaces that are well-maintained, patrolled, and activated can have a positive impact on the public safety of the communities they are located in. Additionally, Parks that offer out-of-school time programming can help deter youth from engaging in risky behavior. Furthermore, Parks and Recreation is the leading provider of low-cost/free aquatics programming. These programs can help to lower drowning cases, which is one of leading causes of death for children ages one through four.

Resources

Jobs

Parks have been proven to be drivers of significant economic activity, having a positive impact on the economy through supporting jobs in local communities. The calculator strives to utilize currently published data to quantify the total jobs supported.