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Recreation
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City of Roswell
P.O. Drawer 1838
Roswell, NM 88202-1838
(505) 624-6700
Fax: 624-6889 |
THE LEISURE INCIDENT
"The
Economic Impact of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services in Colorado"
July 12, 2001
Mr. Kim Elliott, CPRP
Recreation Director
City of Roswell, NM
In the early 90's, the Colorado Park and Recreation Association (CPRA)
received a study on the economic impact of recreation, parks and leisure
services in communities. They contracted with Dr. John W. Green, an economic
consultant from the University of Northern Colorado to do this in depth study in
Colorado. The completion of this study took several years to accomplish.
The results are significant because they tell community leaders what
recreation professionals have known for quite some time. Parks, recreation and
leisure services provide a significant, positive impact on local economies.
Let's look at some of the significant observations from the completed
project, "The Economic Impact of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services"
presented by the CPRA dated December 1993.
1. There is a direct relationship between the quality of life in a
community, the value of property and economic growth. A high quality of life
and a good rate of economic growth translate into high and/or rising
property values.
The direct relationship between a community's quality of life, high property
values and economic growth make sense. If any one of these three is missing,
then the others suffer. What suffers is the community!
2. Highly paid and educated workers are attracted to areas with a high
quality of life. When the employment base and population expands in a
community, wages and incomes rise as does the demand for residential and
nonresidential property.
Who can afford to relocate where they desire? Usually it is those who are
highly paid. They want the quality of life for themselves and their families and
they will relocate bringing their jobs with them. This does not mean that only
the high paid individuals are wanted for economic growth in the community. What
is most important is the quality of life that encourages those jobs to relocate.
3. If recreation facilities are not maintained, or if the number of
facilities do not increase with growth in population, the quality of life
and property values around parks and recreation facilities will suffer. The
decrease in value will spread throughout an area much larger than the
adjacent neighborhood.
The development of modern, up to date recreational and leisure facilities are
important. It is also important to realize that when a facility is built, a
commitment should be made to maintain and improve. If not, then a decrease in
property values will result.
What has not changed over the past ten (10) years is simply stated. People
want to live, where people want to live! People want to live where the quality
of life is best! People are taking their jobs with them to where the quality of
life is best! What this means is that people will live and move their families
and businesses to those communities that will enhance their own personal lives
first. If their families and employees are happy, then the businesses will be
happy because their people will be more productive.
Parks, recreation and leisure services are significant factors in the
economic health and growth of our communities.
Parks and Recreation - The Benefits are Endless!
