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68 <br /> Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation,Master Plan <br /> CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 <br /> Increases property tax revenues Attract GRAMPIES (Growing number of Retired <br /> As real property values increase, so do property Active Monied People in Excellent Shape) <br /> taxes. This is particularly important since property According to the US Census Bureau, by 2050 approx- <br /> taxes are the most important revenue source for imately 1 in every 4 Americans will be 65 years of <br /> many cities and counties. A study conducted in age or older. Many of these older adults will be <br /> Mecklenburg County(NC)determined "that over the affluent due to fiscal benefits such as Social Security, <br /> past four years [2007-2010] there was 3.3% 'park pension plans, investments, and military pensions. <br /> effect' — or an additional $8,032 in average sale Many are mobile and move to various locations <br /> value per unit due to proximity to the park. Com- around our country.A study of retirees conducted in <br /> bined, this was over $10 million. This is direct reve- 1994 found that the top three features of a commu- <br /> nue generated by parks for individuals who sold nity that influenced the decision to relocate were <br /> homes near parks.,5 According to the National scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and mild <br /> Association of Homebuilders, "parks and recreation climate. When retirees relocate to an area they <br /> areas may enhance the values of nearby land up to bring expendable income, increase the tax base, are <br /> 15-20 percent.,6 This data has even greater signifi- "positive" taxpayers because they use fewer <br /> cance considering the economic weakness of the community services than they pay for through taxes, <br /> real estate market throughout the United States and often deposit significant assets into local <br /> during the study period. Higher property values and financial institutions. <br /> subsequent higher property tax revenues may help <br /> offset the need for a city or county to reduce , <br /> services or increase tax rates. <br /> Generates jobs and federal, state, and local tax <br /> revenue <br /> The 2012 Outdoor Recreation Economy Report <br /> (commissioned by the Outdoor Industry Association) <br /> stated that "outdoor recreation is big business in <br /> this country, to the tune of: 6.1 million direct Ameri- <br /> can jobs, $646 billion in direct consumer spending <br /> each year, $39.9 billion in federal tax revenue, and <br /> $39.7 billion in state/local tax revenue."' The same <br /> study conducted in 2006 determined that outdoor <br /> recreation added $7.5 million to North Carolina's Attracts business,especially small businesses <br /> economy. In addition, it supported 95,000 jobs, Parks, recreation, and open space have a strong <br /> created $430 million in state tax revenue, and influence attracting businesses to a community. <br /> produced $6.1 million in retail sales and service "Corporate CEOs say that employee quality of life is <br /> across the state.$ A conclusion of the research was the third most important factor in locating a new <br /> "active outdoor recreation creates sustainable long- business. Small company owners say recreation, <br /> term economic growth and community develop- parks, and open space are the highest priority in <br /> ment throughout North Carolina."' choosing a new location for their business."10 <br /> According to Crompton, Love, and Moore (1997), <br /> parks, recreation, and space amenities were identi- <br /> fied as the three most important factors that con- <br /> tributed to quality of life mentioned above." <br /> 8-2 <br />