How Outdoor Recreation Flourishes Our Economy

By Katie Mahoney | Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (padowntown.org) released a study on the outdoor recreation economy and nature-based placemaking. They state PA’s outdoor recreation economy generated $28.5 billion in total economic impact during 2019, with 246,520 jobs directly support by outdoor recreation industries.

This trend continues to tick up. During the height of the pandemic, outdoor recreation usage soared, with limited options for entertainment, many families and individuals took to the outdoors for a mental-health escape. And that’s not slowing down.

More and more people are visiting our trails and natural areas to spend friend and family time in a safe way. Ultimately, we will see the birth of a whole new group of environmental stewards. That’s a good thing!

Long Level Marina

“In looking at early season sales and interest in Spring 2021, we expect this trend to continue,” shared Liz Winand, co-owner of Shank’s Mare Outfitters, located on the shores of the Susquehanna River in Wrightsville, specializing in sales and rentals of recreational, touring, and fishing kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking and cross-country skiing gear. “We continue to be encouraged with all the folks who are using this opportunity to engage in the outdoors. More and more people are visiting our trails and natural areas to spend friend and family time in a safe way. Ultimately, we will see the birth of a whole new group of environmental stewards. That’s a good thing!”

Long Level Marina in Wrightsville shares a similar experience. “Our most unique service here at Long Level Marina is our pontoon rentals along the Susquehanna River which saw a dramatic increase in popularity over the course of the pandemic,” share Kirston Stover, Marketing Manager. “Our rentals provided families the opportunity to get outside and have some fun while still maintaining safe social distancing."

The soar in outdoor recreation doesn’t only benefit those who specialize in it, but all businesses that welcome outdoor entusiasts and the towns in which they are based, a large beneficiary being dining establishments. “Outdoor dining has always been a part of life in larger cities,” shares Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. “It even harkens back to Italian piazzas, with gathering to dine in large open spaces. As people, we want to be social, whether that’s the old town commons, outdoor farmers markets, other green spaces that provide a place for us to gather. We see microbrews with firepits now, Second Street in Harrisburg transformed into restaurant row, and a similar evolution in Downtown York the past year."

Shank's Mare Outfitters

The perks of an outdoor economy don’t only benefit current residents and visitors, but also aid in quality of life for talent attraction. As local companies struggle to find skilled employees across all industries, an enhanced outdoor, experienced-based community could be the key. “We see in other places across the country like Boulder, CO, Austin, TX, or Asheville, NC, that people have gravitated to where there are creative economies and nature resources,” adds Fitzpatrick. “Quality of life is crucial for talent attraction. We can live and work wherever we want, as the pandemic has shown. In our recovery and resiliency, it’s more important for us as community leaders to prioritize a focus on quality of life, and develop neighborhoods where people choose to live.”

How Can Businesses Leverage Outdoor Assets?

· Wayfinding Signage: Partner with others in your community for wayfinding signage, or a walking tour from the trail or park to your business. Maybe it’s historical, maybe it’s a tour of public art...be creative.

· Vibrant, Safe, Well-Maintained Districts: Connect with your local municipality to work together on any safety or maintenance concerns.

· Marketing and Branding: Do you offer high chairs and kids menus for families? Are you pet-friendly? Make that clear in your messaging and marketing.

· Partnering: Get together with others in your community for package deals – a groups of restaurants could do a sip & stroll event, or perhaps after a fitness event in the park, your business could offer refreshments.

· Promotions & Events: Work with the YCEA, Explore York, and your Main Street Community to get the word out. We’re all in this together!