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Saturday, February 18, 2012
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Why Parks and Open Space Matter - The Economics of Arizona's Natural Assets
Arizona Forward, a business-based coalition vested in enhancing the state's environmental quality, has developed a parks and open space primer to provide unbiased facts, background information and answers to frequently asked questions on this important topic.  A section of this primer is devoted to Arizona State Parks and confirms the economic benefits of our state parks to regional economies and the State of Arizona.  Link to the primer (.pdf) by clicking on the title above.
 
Economic Value of Arizona State Parks
The Arizona State Parks system is among the most threatened public park systems in the United States.  While the natural beauty and open spaces of Arizona are seen by citizens as our greatest asset*, many residents and government representatives do not recognize or understand the significant economic impacts (retail spending, tax revenue and jobs) that state parks have on the Arizona economy. 
To learn how Economic Impact Statements can be used to advocate for Arizona State Parks, visit our Advocacy page.
For park by park Economic Impact Statements, visit our Impacts page.
* The Arizona We Want report was issued in 2009 by the Center for the Future of Arizona and developed from responses to the largest Gallup survey ever conducted in Arizona.


In the face of Arizona's sprawling growth and development, 30 exceptional places have been set aside over the past half century for the recreational, environmental and cultural enjoyment of Arizonans and all who visit our state.

The places are the lakes, rivers, historic buildings and rich natural areas that constitute Arizona State Parks - a collection of wonder-provoking sites that the Arizona State Parks Foundation (ASPF) seeks to preserve, promote and enhance.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, ASPF offers the foremost way for parks patrons, visitors and friends to support and strengthen Arizona State Parks through:

  • Advocacy
  • Friend  Building
  • Fund Raising

Check out the pages of this website to learn more about what we do, the exceptional nature of our parks, and how you can become involved in efforts to better our state parks system for the sake of present and future generations.