State Parks Give Alabama $375 Million Boost

 

State Parks Give Alabama $375 Million Boost

PRESS RELEASE



MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama's 22 state parks aren't just nice places to visit. They are also big contributors to the state's economy, a new study finds.

Visitors to Alabama's 22 state parks in 2011 spent an estimated $152.4 million, according to the analysis by professors at the University of Alabama. Visitors' spending along with expenditures by the parks system had a total economic impact of $375 million and supported 5,340 jobs, say Samuel Addy and Ahmad Ijaz of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Commerce.

The State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources commissioned the study. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Alabama's parks system. In 2012, state parks recorded more than 4.6 million visits.

"This study confirms what we who work in the parks system already know – that state parks are valuable tools to promote the state's economy," said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director. "But the study give us real numbers for state parks' overall economic impact and the many public and private jobs that depend on them."

The economic impact of state parks compares favorable to that of national parks in the state. A recent report by the National Park Service said visitors to the seven national parks in Alabama spent $26.5 million in 2012 and their spending supported 381 jobs.

Lein points out that state parks must generate through user fees the vast majority of the money that pays for their operations.

"Our slogan is ‘Partners Pay the Way.' But it's more than a slogan. We really do rely heavily on our customers – campers, boaters, fishermen, bikers, golfers, etc. – to pay the bills. We want them to know their dollars count in the parks and in the state's economy."

The $375 million economic impact computed by Addy and Ijaz includes $140 million in earnings for thousands of people in various segments of the work force. State parks generate $10.9 million in state and local taxes, according to the report.

Lein went on to say that the report was an initial study that he hoped could be expanded in 2015 to include a survey of park guests to better understand their spending outside of the park.
The Alabama Tourism Department has named 2014 "Year of the Parks." From the beaches of the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian foothills, Alabama State Parks reflect every facet of the state's rich natural landscape.

Throughout this anniversary year, Alabama's 22 state parks will host a variety of hikes, nature walks and programs, dining and camping specials and various other events highlighting 75 years of service to the people of Alabama.

(SOURCE: ALABAMA STATE PARKS)

Alabama State Parks Celebrate 75 Years of Service in 2014

From the beaches of the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian foothills, Alabama State Parks reflect every facet of the state's rich natural landscape and in 2014 the state’s park system will celebrate a milestone — its 75th anniversary. Throughout the year, Alabama’s 22 state parks will host a variety of hikes, nature walks and programs, dining and camping specials and various other events highlighting 75 years of service to the people of Alabama.

 

“Alabama State Parks recently launched a public relations campaign acknowledging the many partners we have in our parks,” said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director. “We hope the 75th anniversary celebration will strengthen our connection with all the visitors and other partners who make these parks possible. Alabama’s park system exists thanks to their support and we need it now more than ever.”

 

The acquisition of land for public use has deep roots. The National Forest System began in 1891. In 1916, the National Park Service was established to oversee a growing network of parks that included icons such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and Sequoia National Park.

 

Alabama’s park system began in the 1920s with Cheaha State Park being the longest continually operating facility. There were 11 state parks in Alabama by 1933 including Bromley, Cheaha, Fort Toulouse, Geneva, Little River, Panther Creek, St. Stephens, Sumter, Talladega County, The Lagoons and Weogufka. Many of the original park structures and infrastructure were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and can still be seen when visiting a modern Alabama State Park. The Division of State Parks, Monuments, and Historic Sites was created to oversee management of the park system in 1939.

 

Today, one of Alabama’s 22 state parks is within an hour drive from most any community in the state and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities including:

 

• Five resort parks featuring lodge, restaurant and convention facilities.
• Ten parks with modern cottages and chalets.
• Twenty-one parks with modern campgrounds.
• Two parks with cave tours.
• The Parks Path Golf Trail. 
• The Gulf State Park Fishing Pier and Gulf Adventure Center Hummingbird Zipline. 
• Three parks with marinas and many more fishing and boating opportunities.
• Picnic pavilions perfect for any outdoor gathering.
• Various museums highlighting the rich cultural and natural heritage of the local communities.
• More than 200 miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding and walking trails.
• Thousands of acres of water-based recreation ranging from mountain lakes and rushing streams to the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

More information about the Alabama State Parks 75th Anniversary Celebration will be posted at www.alapark.com during the coming months. Visit the website often for lodging, camping and dining specials and event announcements.

 

The Alabama State Parks Division operates and maintains 22 state parks encompassing approximately 48,000 acres of land and water. These Parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other Partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations.  Partners Pay the Way. To learn more about Alabama State Parks, visit www.alapark.com.

 

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