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Hello :
Each year since 2022 the National Association for State Park Foundations has promoted the week beginning on Mother's Day as “I Love My State Parks Week.”
Because who doesn't love their state parks? State parks get more than 809 million visitors a year, which includes over 61.6 million overnight users, and state parks generate over $100 billion for local and state economies.
In a recent survey for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the importance of outdoor recreation to Pennsylvanians and to the Commonwealth’s economy was underscored. Respondents to the survey indicated:
- Nearly one-third of Pennsylvanians participate in outdoor recreation activities at least twice a week. Walking and running were the most common activities, followed by scenic driving, picnicking/barbecuing, and hiking/backpacking.
- Eighty-five percent of residents visited some type of outdoor recreation area in the past year.
- 82 percent of Pennsylvanians agree that outdoor recreation supports mental health, with 74 percent advocating its use in mental health care.
- Recreation-related spending often benefits local establishments and chain stores in the area of activity.
Trail users reported higher spending on activities like lodging, food, travel, and guided experiences compared to other outdoor recreation forms.
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