(White Plains, NY) — Members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) lauded the new report released today by the Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc. that shows that the Westchester County parks and recreation facilities create a $183 million annual economic boon to the county’s economy.
The report was part of announcement held this morning at Maple Moor Golf Course here in White Plains, one of six golf courses owned and operated by Westchester County.
“The parks and recreation facilities that are part of the county’s park system did not come to life overnight,” said BOL Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers), who attended today’s announcement. “They are open and operational today because of decades of careful stewardship, safeguarding and support. While keeping an eye out for possible public-private partnerships for the sake of the county parks is certainly advisable, the responsibility for safeguarding these resources belongs to the County.”
In 2011, the BOL budgeted over $51 million to run our park system, with operations costing about $17.5 million. More than $3 million has been trimmed from operating expenses in the past two years, yet County Executive Robert P. Astorino looked to cut an additional $3 million, or 6% from the total expenditure for parks, in his proposed 2012 budget. Hundreds of County residents and business owners testified during the BOL’s budget hearings last November and December of how important the parks are in regard to quality of life and education. In the end, the BOL restored the cut funding, overrode the veto of the County Executive and saved 18 parks jobs, mostly for curators in charge of managing popular parks programs, in the adopted 2012 County Budget.
“It is the Board of Legislators’ steadfast belief that our County parks should stay open, programs should continue and staff should stay in place—for the sake of our residents,” said Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D-Hastings-on-Hudson), a member of the BOL’s Government Operations Committee, which has oversight of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC). “Protecting and supporting our investment in our parks is right for Westchester, and thanks to this new report spearheaded by the Friends of Westchester County Parks, we now know that the direct economic impact from our parks benefits the people of our county enormously.”
In the report released today, it is also noted that the County Parks system, which holds a $350 million asset value, creates approximately 1,000 full-time private jobs (not to mention the county jobs, a number of which are held by younger residents), increases property values near the parks and recreation facilities and lowers general health care costs for residents. Moreover, tourism spending in County parks exceeds $20 million annually.
“Our parks season will soon be in full swing, with County golf courses opening next week. This year promises to be a great one in the County parks, including Playland, which will once again have free admission for resident spectators,” said Legislator Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining), the chair of the BOL’s Government Operations Committee. “The benefits and charms of our parks and recreations areas are a major part of what makes Westchester so special. I am thankful for the Friends’ efforts and their commitment to advocating and supporting our parks. Their report makes it clear that it is in the best interest of County taxpayers and residents for the Administration and Board of Legislators to work together to keep the County’s park at their highest operational level possible.”