The Economic Benefits of Plano Parks, Trails, and Recreation Facilities

Trust for Public Land (TPL) worked with Plano Parks and Recreation to estimate the economic benefits of the parks, trails, and recreation facilities they maintain. This research updates the 2017 TPL analysis in Plano, which estimated significant economic benefits to the city’s residents, visitors, and business community.

The 2024 results are documented in a series of fact sheets that highlight the benefits that Plano Parks and Recreation provides.

Economic Benefits of Plano Parks on Property Value

Parks, trails, and open spaces increase the value of nearby homes, as people are willing to pay more to live near high quality green space. Parks in Plano raise the value of nearby homes by $676 million and increase property tax revenues by $1.8 million a year.

Economic Benefits of Physical Activity in Plano Parks & Trails

Having nearby access to parks and trails increases people’s physical activity, which leads to annual healthcare cost savings. In a telephone survey of residents, TPL found that 19,700 residents over 18 years old use the City’s parks, trails, and recreation facilities at a level sufficient to generate measurable health benefits. The annual healthcare cost savings to Plano residents is valued at $33.6 million.

Economic Benefits of Recreation in Plano Parks

Plano Parks and Recreation provides significant recreation opportunities, often at low- or no-cost to residents. Plano residents receive economic benefits in the form of cost savings: by having access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities, they can reduce travel times or avoid paying private entities to participate in outdoor recreation or fitness classes. Residents receive an annual benefit of $57.4 million for the recreational use of parks, trails, and recreational facilities provided by Plano.

Economic Benefits of Special Events and Sports Tourism in Plano

The parks, trails, and recreational facilities in Plano are essential to the local tourism economy, including hosting sports tournaments with visitors from across the U.S. Plano’s recreational facilities also support local adult and youth sports leagues, which supports residents and attracts athletes and their parents from throughout the region. TPL estimated the economic benefits of both sports leagues and tournament play on Plano’s recreational fields. The hotel bookings and direct spending of participants provided $107.7 million in annual economic benefits to Plano.

Plano Parks and Recreation also hosts special events each year, such as the Plano Balloon Fest, Dickens in Downtown, and the Texas Forever Fest. In FY23, Plano estimated 200,1000 people (both residents and visitors) were in attendance.

Economic Development Benefits of Parks and Trails in Plano

Parks, trails, and other outdoor recreation activities contribute to the high quality of life in Plano. A recent TPL study, “Park Investment and economic Vitality,” profiled Plano as a case study, as they are investing in their parks and open space, and seeing returns in the form of attracting workers, businesses, and economic development opportunities. To read the report, visit https://www.tpl.org/parks-and-economic-vitality

Outdoor recreation also generates resident spending, as people purchase gear to use for activities like running, fishing, and cycling. TPL found that Plano residents spend $49.8 million annually on sports, recreation, and exercise equipment. Spending at the 46 sports, recreation, and equipment stores in Plano (both by residents and visitors) supports an estimated 471 employees and generates $108 million in sales each year.

How Can We Help?

For more information about working with Trust for Public Land to grow your trail system, contact us here.