Metroparks-commissioned, economic-benefits study proves impactful on southeast Michigan region
By Danielle Mauter
Parks systems play critical roles in generating significant economic, health, and environmental benefits that enhance the quality of life in communities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parks staff members know this, but they often struggle with the best ways to prove it to partners, grantors, and local tax payers; communities often don’t think of parks as economic drivers. However, these benefits can pay dividends in terms of securing additional funding or even passing millage campaigns.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks is a regional system with 13 unique parks in five counties in southeast Michigan. A recent study, commissioned by The Trust for Public Land (TPL), found that Metroparks generate more than $90 million in direct visitor spending, as well as millions more in the benefits noted above each year across the those counties and the hundreds of communities it serves.
Living Proof
The TPL study is the first that the organization has completed in Michigan and dramatically underscores the value these public lands and outdoor recreation activities hold, especially during the coronavirus pandemic that gripped the state—and the world—in 2020.
TPL has measured the economic benefits of parks and trails across the country, from Los Angeles, Calif., and Colorado Springs, Colo., to Metroparks Toledo, Ohio, most recently. Huron-Clinton Metroparks knew it needed to complete the study to have real, data-driven proof of its impact on the communities. The information is invaluable when putting together grant proposals or pitching new partnership ideas to local businesses and organizations. Organizations that are more traditionally in the private sector pay more attention when there are proven economic benefits for the region. Metroparks chose TPL to complete the economic-benefits study because it is the gold standard throughout the nation. Its conservative methods lead to a result that is realistic, accurate, and reliable. Its diverse experience across the country allowed for a tailored approach in meeting the unique needs of the regional park system. The report cost about $125,000 and took over a year to complete.