Report: New York State Parks Generated $5.6 Billion in Visitor Spending in One Year
The results of a new economic impact study of New York State Parks were announced by Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, during a press conference in Saratoga Spa State Park on October 18. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new economic impact report found that New York parks have become major contributors to the state economy, with park visitors generating about $5.6 billion in sales and $2.5 billion in labor income in one year. The data was collected from January through December 2021, when the annual GDP of New York State Parks and Historic Sites amounted to $3.7 billion.
The report’s findings were unveiled in a press conference in the Saratoga Spa State Park last Friday morning that was led by Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York. Local community leaders such as Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga, and Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, were also in attendance.
“The report that we’re releasing today really shows the result of historic investment in the state park system,” White said at the event. “The state park system is now as vital, as large, as the agricultural sector in New York State, in terms of its contribution to our economy.”
White said that the Saratoga Spa State Park is the fourth most-visited park in New York, totaling 3.6 million visits per year. Of the estimated 78 million total visits to all New York State Parks in 2021, 47 million came from non-locals (defined as anyone traveling more than 50 miles). Non-local visitors generated about $2.9 billion of the total $5.6 billion in sales. These monetary figures are expected to increase, given that New York State Parks saw around 84 million visits in 2023, a 6 million increase from 2021.
The report also suggested that the funding of state parks results in a healthy return on investment, with every $1 million spent on the parks resulting in $10 million in sales, $4 million in labor income, and $7 million in state GDP.
“We are really fortunate in Saratoga County that we actually have three state parks, amazing parks in Moreau, Waterford, and Saratoga Springs,” said Chamber President Todd Shimkus. “Each of these obviously help us to attract visitors, which helps our local businesses to succeed, grow, and thrive.”
Shimkus said that Saratoga County’s local parks add amenities to the area that help attract talented job applicants looking to fill open positions.
“I can share countless stories of visitors who come for the natural beauty and stay for the vibrant community experiences,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “These visitors often return, bringing their friends, colleagues, and families, further contributing to the local economy.”
The report, titled “New York’s State Parks: Economic Engine for the State,” was conducted by Parks & Trails New York, The Political Economy Research Institute, and The National Heritage Trust. Data was sourced from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; I Love NY/Empire State Development; and comparable regional and national studies.