Countering critics who contend Westchester County should not be in the amusement park business, county officials last week released a study showing that visitors to Rye Playland have an estimated $27.7-million annual economic impact in the county.
The study by Economics Research Associates (ERA), an international consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., was commissioned by the county Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The firm used surveys and computer models to calculate the “multiplier” effect of Playland ”“ the direct and indirect impact the 81-year-old park has on the economy of Westchester.
The consultants said their findings “bolster and explain the economic engine Playland creates purely by its existence and by being part of the fabric of Westchester”™s landscape, history and yearly ongoing operations.”   Â
The $27.7 million estimate includes:
$12.8 million spent directly at the park on rides, food and beverage and other concessions.
$4.7 million spent at off-site retail outlets, restaurants, gas stations and other Westchester businesses.
$10.2 million in indirect and induced spending as Westchester businesses purchase materials and supplies to support the business operations that serve Playland”™s visitors and Playland vendors”™ employees use their wages to pay for consumer goods, housing and taxes within Westchester County.
The consultants said employees for Playland and its on-site vendors generate an annual payroll of $11.1 million. Visitor spending outside of Playland supports approximately 76 full-time equivalent jobs and $1.7 million in earnings in the county.
ERA said county government”™s spending with Westchester businesses for capital improvements at the 81-year-old amusement park in 2008 had a total economic impact of more than $2.5 million.
“This new study shows us that Playland is an investment in Westchester”™s economy,” County Executive Andrew J. Spano said last week. He said the report supports Playland”™s ongoing operation.
Spano noted the park”™s new pay-one-price admission policy this year and other in-park revenue sources will cover all operational and capital costs, saving county taxpayers about $3 million in park subsidies next year. The amusement park operated on a $12.9-million budget in 2008.
