Beginning September, 2011 the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) will be conducting an Economic Impact Study in conjunction with the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association (NDRPA) and the North Dakota State University (NDSU). This year long study is an effort to determine the economic contribution of parks located throughout the state. The results of the study will help the NDPRD in its decision making process as it allocates resources in years to come.
Input from visitors is critical for estimating how much money is generated by the state parks, not only through park fees, but in the surrounding community. To gather this input we will be asking many park visitors to complete a short survey (pdf 302k) that asks for general spending information (No information that can identify respondents is being collected and all responses are confidential). Surveys will be handed out to visitors as they enter the park. Responses will be used to estimate the average spending of park visitors in and around the state park. It will also give the NDPRD the economic activity generated by activities, events, attractions and facilities associated with the park.
Researchers at NDSU will analyze the collected data and estimate the economic contribution of state parks. Data collection is being taken during a 12-month period during 2011-2012 with the final results expected by December 2012. If you are interested in the study findings, contact either the NDPRD at 701-328-5357, email parkrec@nd.gov or see this website. This information and data from various other North Dakota park districts will also be available from the NDRPA at 701-355-4458, email clearfour@btinet.net or its website at www.ndrpa.com.
Thank-you to all who take the time to participate in this study. NDPRD appreciates your wilingness to complete the survey. We believe the results of this study will be of great help to us in long term planning and resource allocation.
