Economic Impact of Oregon State Parks Tops $1 Billion per Year

Economic Impact  of Oregon State Parks Tops $1 Billion per Year

Visitors to Oregon state parks in 2016 contributed $1.1 billion to the state's economy and supported 16,000 full- and part-time jobs, according to a report released today by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

The report, Economic Activity from Recreation Use of Oregon State Park Properties -- System Report, measures how communities near parks benefited economically from the 54 million-plus visits to state parks in 2016. Visitor spending supported 16,000 full-and part-time jobs statewide, equating to a combined salary of $550 million.

"The report clearly shows that Oregon's state parks are more than great places to visit, but also a vital economic engine for local economies across the state," said OPRD recreation planner Terry Bergerson.

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