August 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 59

Session 341
Economic Impacts of Park Systems
and Community Benefits
12:30-1:45 p.m.
Presenter: Roxanne Miles,
Community Development
Manager, Metro Parks Tacoma, Washington

Session 355
Creating an Agency that is Trusted,
Valued and Loved
2:15-3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Tom O'Rourke,
Executive Director, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, Charleston, South Carolina

What is one of the economic impacts of parks and recreation?
The benefits of parks are environmental, social, health-related and economic, and each serves as a catalyst to the
local economy. We also leverage economic impacts by strategically planning with entities that are as economic
engines. Tourism, land value and economic development are all impacted by
a quality park system because people
are drawn to visit, relax, play and live
near park spaces. We bring people outside and help them connect and enjoy
where they live, work and play. When
that happens, the economy is healthy.

What is one example of how an
agency can demonstrate value to
their community?
One example is the role an agency plays
in the overall health of its community.
We spend about $7 billion a year based
on our poor exercise and food choices.
Today, exercise is a smart thing to do; tomorrow, it will be mandated by employers, insurance companies and doctors. It
is essential that our profession take the
lead in providing health and wellness
opportunities so the medical profession
will look to us first to assist them with
keeping our communities healthier.

Does every agency demonstrate
economic impact?
Every park system should be able to
demonstrate their impact on the community - from creating natural systems that return ecological benefits to
monitoring the level of healthy activity they promote to recognizing the
social capital of their public spaces.
Many of the benefits of park systems
are being translated into economic
values worth paying attention to.

Is this only applicable as an agency
looks for funding?
It is a smart idea to keep one eye on
funding in everything we do, but giving value really has nothing to do with
funding. If there is collective agreement
in what a community values, there
will be participation in the community's programs and events, and events
sponsors will seek us out. Those who
use " no funding " as an excuse need to
change the way they think.

What else are participants going to be
able to take away from your session?
An understanding that park systems
benefit people and the economy in
tangible, measurable ways. The better
that park leaders recognize this and
are able to articulate it, the better off
the industry will be overall.

What else are participants going to be
able to take away from your session?
I want attendees to understand that it
is up to them to pull this off. If you really care about this profession, are not
afraid to do whatever it takes and the
word " NO " doesn't slow you down,
you will benefit from this session!

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Parks & Recreation

August 2013 - Parks & Recreation

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