Seattle Park Value Report
March 1, 2010
Money really does grow on trees in Seattle
TPL's new study of the park system of Seattle shows that the city's parks generate considerable economic value—both to the local government and to Seattle residents.
According to the detailed analysis by the Center for City Park Excellence, Seattle's parks deliver annual municipal revenue of $19.2 million, municipal savings of $12.4 million, resident savings of $511.6 million and a collective increase of resident wealth of $110.8 million. (read press release)
These different economic values stem from seven measurable factors provided by the parks—clean air, clean water, tourism, direct use, health, property value, and community cohesion.
The report, commissioned by the city of Seattle and Seattle Parks Foundation, is the seventh in a series of such studies. Previous cities analyzed include Denver; Philadelphia; Sacramento; San Diego; Wilmington, Delaware; and Charlotte/Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
