ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRAILS
New Economic Impact Study Released on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
In 2009, LHV initiated a large-scale planning initiative, the “Lackawanna Greenway Plan and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Feasibility Study.” One component of this project was a survey of the people who use the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. LHV administered a counter survey on four improved sections of the trail to count the number of trail users. An intercept survey was distributed at trailheads, libraries, and businesses, by postal mail, and electronically in order to gather information about trail users’ characteristics and spending patterns.
The analysis of the data gathered from these surveys estimated 128,000 annual user visits to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in 2009, resulting in a direct economic impact to the local economy of approximately $28,251,862.
In October, 2011, LHV released the detailed findings in a new report, “The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail: 2009 Trail User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis.” The report was prepared by LHV staff, and the consulting team of Arora and Associates, P.C., Campbell Thomas & Company, and Urban Partners. The survey was conducted in association with the Rail Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Click here to download the full report.
Click here to read the Executive Summary.
Click here to download the one-page Fact Sheet.
Economic Impact of Trails and Greenways
Trails and greenways have economic as well as recreational and health benefits. They enhance the quality of life for citizens and visitors, and they promote both economic growth and more attractive and vibrant communities. This, in turn, encourages tourism and recreation-related spending. Many communities realize that open space conservation is an investment that produces important economic benefits. The resources below have a wealth of valuable information about the economic impact that trails and greenways have on their communities:
Rails to Trails Conservancy – Economic Benefits of Trails and Greenways (publication)
Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails and Greenway Corridors (publication)
Rails to Trails Conservancy – Trail User Surveys & Resources (webpage)
Trails and Economic Development (publication)
PA Greenways Clearinghouse Database (resource list)
American Trails – Economic Impact of Trails (resource list)
Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study (publication)
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