Investing in Our Parks: Saratoga Associates’ Dan Shearer Joins Industry Leaders to Highlight Economic Impact

Investing in Our Parks: Saratoga Associates’ Dan Shearer Joins Industry Leaders to Highlight Economic Impact

Last Friday, Saratoga Associates’ President and CEO, Dan Shearer, joined fellow leaders in parks, tourism, and industry at Saratoga Spa State Park to release an important new report on the economic impact of New York State Parks and Historic Sites. This gathering, hosted by  Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), shed light on the critical role our parks play in driving the state’s economy and emphasized the need for continued investment in these natural and cultural assets.

The newly released report, produced by PTNY, The Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), and The National Heritage Trust, revealed that New York’s State Parks and Historic Sites generated 78 million visits in 2021, resulting in $5.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in labor income, and contributing $3.7 billion to the state’s annual GDP. These numbers stress the significant economic power of the parks system, positioning it as a major driver of New York’s economy.

The report highlights the profound local return on the state’s investment in parks and historic sites. As communities continue to benefit from increased tourism, job creation, and improved public spaces, the importance of preserving and enhancing these spaces is clearer than ever.

Led by Executive Director Paul Steely White, Parks & Trails New York underscored how parks not only offer recreational opportunities but also serve as economic engines that support businesses and local economies across the state. Dan Shearer and other key attendees, including  Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga NY,  Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Lori Robertson, Executive Director of Walkway Over the Hudson, and Dave Miller, Principal Landscape Architect at The LA Group reinforced the shared commitment to ensuring New York State continues to invest in its parks system.

The full report detailing the economic benefits of New York State Parks and Historic Sites can be found here.

The Future of Our Parks
As the conversation around sustainability, tourism, and public investment continues, Saratoga Associates remains dedicated to creating and preserving open spaces that enrich communities, support local economies, and provide lasting benefits for all.