SALEM, Ore. -- A new report shows the positive financial impact that Oregon parks has on the state's economy.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says that $1.1 billion was added to the state's economy in 2016 because of park activity. Officials also found that parks supported 16,000 full-time jobs across the state, equating to a combined salary of $550 million.
The report measured how communities near parks benefited economically from the 54 million-plus visits to state parks in 2016. OPRD's analysis of the report found that for every dollar invested into the parks system, $30.50 was generated in related economic activity.
Silver Falls state park, in Marion County, was the biggest contributor with 1.4 million visits, bringing $58.4 million to the local economy.
