Economic Impacts of Parks, Rivers, Trails and Greenways

Use good survey methods. The better the survey method, the more useful the results willbe. Consider whether there is a non-response bias. For example, if the survey yields lessthan a 55% return, it is possible that the results do no accurately represent the totalpopulation (Turco, 1993). A random sub-sample of non-respondents could be interviewedto determine whether findings can be generalized. Plan your information gathering to bestutilize the resources available. A local community college or university may be interested inhelping with surveys as a class project. See also “Sources of Information” in Expendituresby Residents, Section 3.3. The book titled “Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored DesignMethod” by Don A. Dillman (2 nd edition) is also a good reference.Be careful. Document your assumptions and calculations, and back them with sound logic.Peer review of your calculations is a must. If you have staff members with somebackground in economics or finance, their review and support would be especiallyimportant. The true economic impact attributable to a special event comes only from newmoney injected into an economy that would not otherwise have been spent. Thus, visitorscan be counted who reside outside the community and came to the locale specifically forthe special event, as can those who more time and money in the area because of the event.Money from residents that would have been spent on alternative expenditures in theabsence of the special event should not be counted as part of the economic impact.Be sensitive. Most private businesses do not wish to have their records a matter of publicrecord as it may be perceived as potentially harmful to their competitive business position.While gross receipts and franchise, contract and permit fees are usually a matter of publicrecord, levels of profit may not.3.2.7 ReferencesBichis-Lupas, Mihaela, and Neil Moisey. Fall 2001. A Benefit Segmentation of Rail-TrailUsers: Implications for Marketing by Local Communities. Journal of Park andRecreation Administrations, 19(2): 78-92.California State Parks. 2002. Concessions- Business Opportunities at State Parks. Availableat http://www.parks.ca.govCrompton, John. 2000. Measuring Economic Impact. Available athttp://rptsweb.tamu.edu/faculty/EconomicImpact.pdfDallas, Holly. July 27, 2004. Recreation Supervisor, Therapeutic; Sacramento CountyRegional Parks. Email communication.East Bay Regional Park District. November 1, 2000. Regional Economic Analysis (Trends,Year 2000 & Beyond). Prepared by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. Available athttp://www.ebparks.org/resources/pdf/misc/ecoreport.pdfEvenson, Rudy. August 4, 2004. Chief, Office of Special Park Uses, Golden Gate NationalRecreation Area. Email communication.29