As the days continue to get longer and summer approaches, Friends of Westchester County Parks continues to fund important parks programs and facilities that might otherwise be eliminated. Last month, we announced the results of a study that underscores the importance of our work. We all appreciate the beauty and utilitarian benefits our parks provide, but it turns out that Westchester’s parks are even more valuable than we had realized from an economic standpoint. The following is an opinion piece Friends of Westchester County Parks Board Chairman Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson and I wrote that was published March 31 in the Journal News:
Friends of Westchester County Parks recently announced the results of a seven-month study of the economic benefits of Westchester County’s parks system. The $75,000 study, conducted by a nationally renowned parks consulting firm, showed that our parks provide far more than a beautiful backdrop for our recreational and leisure activities. The findings showed that the annual positive economic impact of our County’s parks is $183 million.
In challenging economic times, tough choices are required. Decision makers must weigh the benefits of competing budget items, and sometimes unwanted cuts must be made. That’s where the results of the economic and fiscal impact analysis can be helpful. The report makes a compelling case that Westchester’s parks are an economic boon to the county. In other words, the parks department is an “earn department”, not a “spend department”. Cuts to programs and facilities will, in fact, cost our economy more than they’ll save.
The non-economic benefits of our parks already more than justify the annual costs. In Westchester, that cost is only $37 per resident per year or 10 cents a day per person. The parks budget funds Westchester’s system of 50 parks, comprising more than 18,000 acres of parkland , six nature centers, six golf courses, four pools, four campgrounds, more than 200 miles of trails, the Westchester County Center, Muscoot farm, Playland amusement park and many other recreational amenities and programs.
The study found that Westchester’s parks:
- Generate more than 1,000 full-time job equivalents in the private sector.
- Generate an additional $4.95 of spending in the county for every $1 spent on parks.
- Increased the values of property nearer to County parks and trail heads.
- Create an environment that is attractive for young people to grow their careers and personal lives, as well as deter “young professional flight” through the creation of amenities and events that are free or attractively priced.
When the County parks system was originally conceived, economic development was one of the desired outcomes. In 2012, as we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Westchester Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, we are able to see just how valuable this investment has become.
Westchester’s parks attract visitors from throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, and they make our county a more attractive place to do business. Westchester residents and visitors from throughout the region enjoy highly popular ethnic festivals, concert performances and other events in County parks each year. Local businesses benefit from increased spending near our parks and trails. Thousands of county residents have jobs either directly or indirectly related to our parks. More than 75% of County residents use the parks facilities or programs at least once per year.
Westchester’s elected officials have been made aware of these findings — in fact, both County Executive Robert Astorino and Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins were on hand for the news conference at the County-owned Maple Moor Golf Course at which the findings were announced. Both acknowledged the importance and value of our parks.
We are encouraged to have support from decision makers on both sides of the aisle, but history has shown that even highly valued programs sometimes feel the squeeze when times are tough. It is for this reason that Friends of Westchester County Parks is working hard to build support for the parks from Westchester’s business and residential community.
Friends has a history of helping to bridge gaps in the parks budget by helping to fund important programs that would otherwise not continue. In December, for example, Con Edison teamed up with Friends to save the popular Bicycle Sundays program with a combined $40,000 donation. Friends also funds popular programs such as the annual Music Fest and Fireworks at the Kensico Dam Plaza and Screening Under the Stars, and has helped fund the Great Hunger Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial and other projects. Camp Morty, a summer camp for disadvantaged children, is also supported by Friends.
Our County parks provide benefits to every Westchester resident. Compared with other County services, they require a relatively small amount of money to maintain. As the study findings indicate, cutting funding to our parks facilities and programs will have have an adverse effect on the County’s economic well-being.
We have seen the numbers, we know the facts. Now it’s time to take action. Friends of Westchester County Parks is encouraging all Westchester County residents to get involved with our parks. It’s easy to become a Friend by going online to friendsofwestchesterparks.com. A contribution of as little as $25 goes a long way. And in times like these, our parks can use as many Friends as they can get.
