Most residents would acknowledge ”“ yet still take for granted ”“ the beauty and recreational opportunities Westchester County”™s parks system provides. With more than 18,000 acres of parkland, more than 200 miles of trails and walkways and a rich offering of recreational amenities and other programs, our parks offer a great deal to our residents and the businesses located within our county.
More than 75 percent of county residents say they use county parks facilities and programs at least once per year. Many use the parks weekly or even daily, and parks add to quality of life, while providing recreation, aesthetic and environmental benefits.
The cost of these benefits is small ”“ just $37 per resident per year or 10 cents a day per person. In today”™s economy, however, it seems every cost must be justified each budget year. An economic analysis recently conducted makes a strong case that the county”™s parks system is worth every penny spent and much more.
Friends of Westchester County Parks recently announced the findings of a seven-month study that showed there are an abundance of economic benefits derived from the county parks system. The economic analysis, conducted by nationally recognized parks consultant PROS Consulting L.L.C., concluded that Westchester County parks have an annual $183 million positive economic impact on Westchester”™s economy from parks-related facilities and services.
The study also showed that Westchester”™s parks:
- Generate more than 1,000 full-time private sector job equivalents.
- Generate an additional $4.95 of spending in the county for every dollar spent on parks.
- Increased the values of properties nearer to county parks and trailheads.
- Create an environment that is attractive for young people to grow their careers and personal lives, as well as deter “young professional flight” through the creation of amenities and events that are free or attractively priced.
Westchester County residents have made a significant investment in the county parks system over the past century. As a result, Westchester has built a parks system that is a selling point for businesses and individuals considering moving into our county. Great cities and counties have great parks, and our great parks create a sense of pride for the people who live and work here. In 2012, as we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Westchester Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, we are able to see just how valuable this investment has become.
Well-maintained parks draw visitors and cause an increase in local spending. Parks also make the county a more attractive place to do business. Westchester residents and visitors enjoy highly popular ethnic festivals, concert performances and other events in county parks each year. Thousands of Westchester residents have jobs either directly or indirectly related to our parks, and businesses benefit from increased spending near our parks and trails.
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino not only acknowledged the findings, but said the results would be considered as the county plans for the future. He said, “Our parks are one of many factors that make Westchester an attractive place, not only to live, but to conduct business.” Ken Jenkins, the Westchester County Board of Legislators chairman lauded the study, and stressed the importance of safeguarding the county”™s parks and related programs.
It is our hope that our elected officials will show the proper appreciation for the value of our parks system as they formulate future budgets, however Friends of Westchester County Parks is proactively working to build additional support, so that critical programs and facilities never have to be cut.
Friends of Westchester County Parks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit philanthropic organization whose purpose is securing and administering private funds that support the mission of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Friends helps to bridge gaps in the parks budget by funding important programs that would otherwise not continue.
Examples of programs supported by Friends include the annual Music Fest and Fireworks and Screening Under the Stars events at the Kensico Dam Plaza, and projects such as the Great Hunger Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial and Camp Morty, a summer camp for disadvantaged children. Friends also looks for opportunities to create public/private partnerships. In December, for example, Con Edison teamed up with Friends to save the popular Bicycle Sundays program with a joint contribution of $40,000.
Friends of Westchester County Parks is encouraging all Westchester County residents to get more involved and to show their appreciation for our award-winning parks. Individuals can become a “friend” of Westchester County Parks with a donation of as little as $25. Our parks can use all the friends they can get.
Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, chairman, Friends of Westchester County Parks
Joseph A. Stout, executive director, Friends of Westchester County Parks
