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8—4 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8 - Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 Destinations have multiple levels and types of products and services (i.e., hotels, restaurants, gas stations, attractions) that are brought together to form the overall tourism experience. Each component or element of the destination is a product in and of itself. “The attractions of a destination constitute the most powerful compo- nent of the supply side of tourism.”14 Most public parks and recreation facilities and services fall into the attraction category. Crompton (2010) explains that in many communities, most tourism attractions are developed and/or operated by the public and nonprofit agencies, many of which are parks and recreation related. Therefore, tourism in most communities is heavily reliant on public park and recreation agencies.12 Most of the outdoor recreation space that is utilized by tourists in the United States is owned by a governmental agency (federal, state, or local). Many of the historical and cultural attractions in a community are located at a public park or in a public facility.15 Public parks and recreation facilities and services are a vital part of the tourism offerings in a community. For example, athletic fields used to host tournaments will draw players and fans from areas outside the local community. Those individuals traveling to the community to play in the tournament will need basic tourism services such as lodging and restaurants. The tournament, which may be run by the local parks and recreation agency, is the attraction. The facilities (i.e., fields, locker rooms, picnic shelters) that are being used are a requirement for the tournament to be held and are also considered attractions. One of the emerging trends for travelers is the desire to stay healthy and fit while traveling. Tourists oflen desire places to run, walk, bike, swim, and play. Local parks and recreation facilities provide tourists with these opportunities. It could be as simple as a tourist running on one of the local parks and recreation department’s maintained trails, playing basketball at the local park, or taking part in a group exercise class. Other examples of tourists using park and recreation facilities could include: having a picnic at a community park, attending a festival, taking a nature walk. The main difference between parks and recreation facilities that are attractions and those that are not is the manner in which they are managed. For a facility or service to truly be considered an attraction it must be managed with an understanding that tourists may use the facility and therefore policies and practices must be in place to make the tourist welcome. 88