Analysis Finds Indy Parks Have $107M Economic Impact

A new study finds Indianapolis Parks have an economic impact of nearly $107 million per year.

Anecdotally the value of parks is well known to many residents, but this is the first value assessment for Indy Parks. The results of the analysis surprised those involved, including Director Linda Broadfoot.

“It’s a number that we never really had wrapped our heads around before,” Broadfoot said.

The report was completed by the IU Public Policy Institute to understand the economic value of local parks. It analyzed the benefits of programs, jobs, and an increase in property values.

PPI Senior Policy Analyst Joti Martin said parks, green spaces, and recreation activities had a $106.8 million impact in 2019.

“It’s important to show a number where you can really show that value,” Martin said.

The report found that every dollar spent on Indy Parks generated more than three dollars. Broadfoot said that number is actually conservative.

“At a minimum, we are more than tripling the value of every dollar that is spent on parks for our city,” Broadfoot said.

Indy Parks operates 212 parks and offers more than 3,000 sports, arts, and recreational programs.