Economic Impacts of Parks, Rivers, Trails and Greenways

depression in older adults (Williams, 1996).Between 80%-90% of participants in outdoor activities reported that they feelthe natural setting allows them to escape the stress of daily life, gives them afeeling of accomplishment and keeps them feeling young (Exploring the ActiveLifestyle, 2004).Another study found that users of greenway trails experience changes inemotion while using recreational trails and that as they move through thephysical and social surroundings their emotions generally became more positive(Lee, 1999).Walking is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, calming brainchemicals that act as natural tranquilizers. Walking also releases adrenaline,which is produced by the body when it senses danger. When adrenalineaccumulates in the body rather than being released, it causes muscle tension andcan lead to anxiety (Bricklin, 1992).Thus, physical activity has positive effects on mental fitness and it can reduce thesymptoms of anxiety and depression. This may be due, in part, to the fact that using parksand trails often gives people a chance to relax and spend quality time with family andfriends.Wilderness therapy is evolving as an alternative to conventional mental health services andmental health providers, insurance companies, and juvenile authorities are recognizing itseffectiveness and lower cost compared to traditional treatment. The wildernessenvironment, with its solitude and natural setting, can be a therapeutic environment foradolescents trying to overcome emotional, addiction, and psychological problems andbenefits participants both physically and emotionally. An estimated 10,000 youth participating in wilderness treatment 6 generated $60million in annual revenue in 1998.The costs of wilderness therapy averagedabout $325 per day in the five programs, and roughly 40 % of clients receivedfinancial assistance from medical insurance. Another study extrapolated the datato all known wilderness treatment programs, resulting in annual gross revenuesof $143 million dollars in 1998 (Russell, 1999). Listed below are some of the benefits of regular physical activity.o Helps people achieve and maintain a healthy body weighto Boosts energy levelo Reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulationthroughout the bodyo Helps manage stress and promotes psychological well-beingo Reduces the risk of strokeo Releases tensiono Reduces the risk of having a second heart attack in people who have6 Includes only adolescence wilderness treatment, meaning programs that have specific treatment purposesand active field participation or at least clinical supervision by professional therapist; does not include youthadventure camps or personal growth programs.98