Ohio state parks boost state's economy, studies show
More than $2 billion generated from 31 million park visits each year
COLUMBUS, OH -- Visits to Ohio State Parks pump more than $2 billion into the state's economy each year, two studies authorized by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) show. Each study surveyed expenditures by park visitors during a recent 12-month period, measuring the total impact of those visits on statewide and local economies.
A park visitation survey, conducted by the Columbus-based Strategic Research Group, focused on both day-use and overnight visits to Ohio State Parks facilities between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000. There were nearly 31 million separate park visits during the fiscal year, the study concluded, with each visitor spending an average of nearly $70 per trip or a total of $2,154,043,290.
An economic impact study, authorized by ODNR in conjunction with the Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism, detailed the spending patterns of campers and overnight guests in state park cottages and resorts during the 1999 calendar year. That study, conducted by Rovelstad & Associates of Racine, Wisconsin, and Longwoods, International of Toronto, Ontario, analyzed sales for lodging, food, transportation, retail goods and recreational activities on and off park property. It showed goods and services purchased by overnight park visitors generated $202.3 million into the state's economy. The result of those sales was $20.7 million in state taxes and another $19.6 million in local taxes. Overnight park visits supported the equivalent of 9,600 full-time jobs across the state and generated $156.6 million in wages for workers.
"Clearly, the economic impact of Ohio's award-winning state park system is impressive," said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. "Our lodges, cottages and campgrounds are exciting places to stay. And our beaches, picnic areas, marinas and hiking trails are favorite daytime destinations. Together, they represent valuable investments in Ohio's $27 billion travel and tourism industry."
Figures released in the economic impact study represent both direct and indirect sales. Direct sales are two types of purchases: those made directly from park facilities such as lodges, campgrounds and marinas and those made from businesses serving park visitors such as sporting goods stores, local service stations and roadside eateries. Indirect sales represent purchases from park service and support companies such as wholesale food and linen suppliers, building contractors and utilities.
The economic impact study shows thirty-nine cents of every dollar spent by overnight park visitors went for food and restaurants - the largest expenditure category. Lodging costs accounted for another 22 cents. Retail sales earned another 15 cents. General recreation expenditures represented 10 cents of every sales dollar. Transportation and automobile costs took 14 cents.
"We value the data gathered in these surveys and hope to use it to make Ohio State Parks an even greater influence on Ohio's economy," West said.
Ohio has 73 state parks with 57 campgrounds and 9,048 campsites; more than 500 overnight cottages; and eight resort lodges. Reservation information is available at individual park offices or through 1-800-AT-A-PARK for all lodges and cottages except those at Deer Creek State Park. Deer Creek reservations are available at 1-877-678-3337. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis.