The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) has established the America’s State Parks alliance (www.americasstateparks.com) to mobilize and educate the public and policy makers on the positive impact state parks have on public health and local economies.


The initiative comes as Arizona, California, New York and many other states are closing dozens of state parks in a desperate bid to balance their budgets.


America’s State Parks will work collaboratively to share resources, best practices and engage in national partnerships with corporations for stewardship programs, aiding state parks during a time of severe state budget cuts and strong demand for state park experiences. Partnerships with corporations can help preserve many of America’s most prized natural assets through their affiliation and sponsorship of programs such as reforestation, trail preservation and maintenance and solar-energy installations.

 

Americans demonstrated a strong demand for budget-friendly outdoor recreation and cultural tourism within easy access to home, with more than 725 million visits to state parks in 2009. Whether hiking in the Rocky Mountains, kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay, visiting an historic battlefield or surfing a Southern California beach, state parks ranked among the most important leisure time choices for Americans. Despite this remarkable demand from the public during the recession, these green spaces are in peril.

“Building state parks creates jobs and operating state parks stimulates outdoor recreation and tourism spending. That translates to a huge boon to our local economies,” said NASPD President Joe Elton, director of Virginia State Parks. Elton further stated that, “In 2009 visitors to state parks across America helped create a $20 billion economic impact, which is an incredible return on investment given that the overall budget expenditure nationwide is less than $2.3 billion.”


State parks also play a pivotal role in helping combat obesity, one of the nation’s most pressing health issues. First Lady Michelle Obama, along with doctors and public health officials, are citing the need for more activity among children.


“Simple outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping on public lands and waters can serve as a gateway to a healthier lifestyle,” says former White House Fellow Michael Suk, MD who served with the Department of the Interior and is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Florida. “Most state parks draw the majority of their visitors from surrounding communities and they see repeat visitation. They serve as an important asset that links recreation and public health.”