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December 12, 2005
SURVEY SHOWS STATE PARKS HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT
ON OHIO’S ECONOMY AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Park visits generate $1.1 billion in sales at local businesses
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio State Parks contributes each year an estimated $1.1 billion to the state’s economy while improving the quality of life of its citizens, according to a new study commissioned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Thirty-nine percent of the nearly 2,000 Ohio households polled at random responded to the mail survey, which was conducted by The Ohio State University in the fall of 2004. More than 42 percent of respondents said they had visited at least one state park in the previous year. On the average, they made six park visits during that time.
Economically, these visits contributed an estimated $1.1 billion to the state’s economy in purchases of gas, food, souvenirs, sporting and recreational equipment and other services. Most of these expenditures were in local businesses near the parks.
“Survey respondents rated their overall experiences with the parks as above-average to good and felt the parks make living in Ohio more enjoyable,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “We’ve always known our state parks are valuable recreational and environmental assets and this data supports that belief.”
Users rated park picnic areas as the most popular facilities, along with hiking trails and beaches. State parks most frequently mentioned by survey respondents were Salt Fork in Guernsey County, Hueston Woods in Preble County, Hocking Hills in Hocking County, Deer Creek in Pickaway County and Mohican in Ashland County. Campgrounds were the most-frequently used overnight facilities.
There are Ohio State Parks in 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties, with many rated as “getaway destinations” for both residents and out-of-state visitors. The 74 state parks encompass nine resort lodges, six championship golf courses, more than 500 fully furnished cottages and 56 family campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites.
For additional information or to make reservations online at an Ohio State Park lodge, cottage or campground, visit ohiostateparks.org.
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