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8—2 <br />Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan <br /> CHAPTER 8 - Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 <br />Attract GRAMPIES (Growing number of Retired <br />Active Monied People in Excellent Shape) <br /> <br />According to the US Census Bureau, by 2050 approx- <br />imately 1 in every 4 Americans will be 65 years of <br />age or older. Many of these older adults will be <br />aftfuent due to fiscal benefits such as Social Security, <br />pension plans, investments, and military pensions. <br />Many are mobile and move to various locations <br />around our country. A study of retirees conducted in <br />1994 found that the top three features of a <br />community that influenced the decision to relocate <br />were scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and <br />mild climate. When retirees relocate to an area they <br />bring expendable income, increase the tax base, are <br />“positive” taxpayers because they use fewer <br />community services than they pay for through taxes, <br />and oflen deposit significant assets into local <br />financial institutions. <br /> <br />Attracts business, especially small businesses <br /> <br />Parks, recreation, and open space have a strong <br />influence attracting businesses to a community. <br />“Corporate CEOs say that employee quality of life is <br />the third most important factor in locating a new <br />business. Small company owners say recreation, <br />parks, and open space are the highest priority in <br />choosing a new location for their business.”10 <br />According to Crompton, Love, and Moore (1997), <br />parks, recreation, and space amenities were <br />identified as the three most important factors that <br />contributed to quality of life mentioned above.11 <br />Increases property tax revenues <br /> <br />As real property values increase, so do property <br />taxes. This is particularly important since property <br />taxes are the most important revenue source for <br />many cities and counties. A study conducted in <br />Mecklenburg County (NC) determined “that over the <br />past four years [2007-2010] there was 3.3% ‘park <br />effect’ – or an additional $8,032 in average sale <br />value per unit due to proximity to the park. <br />Combined, this was over $10 million. This is direct <br />revenue generated by parks for individuals who sold <br />homes near parks.”5 According to the National <br />Association of Homebuilders, “parks and recreation <br />areas may enhance the values of nearby land up to <br />15-20 percent.”6 This data has even greater signifi- <br />cance considering the economic weakness of the <br />real estate market throughout the United States <br />during the study period. Higher property values and <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 /> <br />Generates jobs and federal, state, and local tax <br />revenue <br /> <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 <br />American jobs, $646 billion in direct consumer <br />spending each year, $39.9 billion in federal tax reve- <br />nue, and $39.7 billion in state/local tax revenue.”7 <br />The same study conducted in 2006 determined that <br />outdoor recreation added $7.5 million to North <br />Carolina’s economy. In addition, it supported 95,000 <br />jobs, created $430 million in state tax revenue, and <br />produced $6.1 million in retail sales and service <br />across the state.8 A conclusion of the research was <br />“active outdoor recreation creates sustainable <br />long-term economic growth and community <br />development throughout North Carolina.”7 <br />86