The Use of Water Trails and Other Outdoor Amenities for Local Revitalization
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Daniel Hummel
May 30, 2019
Outdoor recreation has been considered a rural economic development tool for some time. The Outdoor Industry Association found that paddle sports are one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities, with those that pursue these sports on average having higher educations and incomes over $75,000. Tourism to these water trails is dependent on access and a host of key amenities that develop in tandem to a well-managed trail such as outfitters, lodging, dining and cultural institutions.
There is consensus in the literature on the benefits of trails and greenways to the local community. These outdoor spaces have been shown to attract businesses and residents. The relationship between the development of these outdoor amenities, increasing tourism and increasing community vitality has been established in research on these trails. One study on the Huron River Water Trail in Michigan found that towns along the river have experienced population growth; Tourists have decided to relocate to the area after visiting the town because of these amenities. These areas have become communities that have lower poverty rates, higher education and higher health levels. See the 2015 report by the River Management Society titled, “An Economic Argument for Water Trails.”
One cannot ignore the importance of these amenities in attracting a young and educated workforce, which is critical for local economic vitality. The seminal research of Richard Florida has found that young professionals in various creative class professions in the knowledge economy highly value outdoor recreation. These young people choose to live in communities that are in close proximity to such well-managed assets. This knowledge—coupled with the reality of a changing economy that puts less emphasis on place and more emphasis on connectivity and task—means that there is flexibility in choosing one’s community. For example, some who work in Silicon Valley have chosen to live in Bend, Oregon (a 10-hour drive away) because of closer proximity to outdoor amenities and affordability.
The development of these outdoor amenities helps to attract tourists who spend money and attract residents who buy homes there. Communities with well-developed trails and supporting amenities are healthy and growing communities. For example, the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas has become a model to emulate in many cities across the country with its connections to stores, restaurants and other places. In many places, it has been a transformative experience to view the river, again, as an asset that fuels local economic growth. This rediscovery has been an important step in local economic development.
For example, the City of Flint, along with its community partners, has been developing a water trail with portions of the Flint River. This may come as a surprise to those not familiar with the area and only know of the Flint River from the Flint Water Crisis. The Flint River is the cleanest it has been in a generation thanks to efforts to restore this natural resource. The Flint River Watershed Coalition established Kayak Flint, which rents kayaks and provides shuttle services. So far, the route is a little less than 2 miles (about 2 hours) and includes urban and rural areas. Along with the development of this budding water trail, opening this summer is another well-developed access point to the river, Paddlers’ Landing in the Mott Park Recreation Area. This access point highlights the importance of community-led efforts to raise funds as well as creative reuses of vacant land—the park used to be a golf course that closed in 2010.
In addition to the water trail, biking trails in the City of Flint and surrounding areas have been developed that connect with the river and larger biking trail systems. Again, the city along with the county and state governments, including community partners, have worked on developing these trails and improving connectivity not only between bike trails but also with the water trail. In addition, and according to best practice, these trails also include access to other amenities. For example, the Director of Genesee County Parks recently stated, “A biker can take the 2 mile ride from the outskirts of the city to see scenic views of the river, stop off for a craft beer at Tenacity Brewing, and ride along the river to Stepping Stone Falls.” The development of these amenities along with the affordability of the region are great assets for the economic revitalization of the City of Flint and its surrounding areas.
There are other great benefits to the development of these trails beyond their economic effects. As highlighted in a 2017 issue of the Michigan Township Focus, “The primary difference—and benefit—between a water trail and a mere paddling route is an intentional effort by a community to establish and strengthen its identity, attract local users and tourists and grow its local and regional economy while also promoting healthy lifestyles and clean water.” In many communities that have undergone a significant economic transformation, along with a severe loss of population, there is a need to re-establish this identity. These trails can be a major part of this effort.
Author: Dr. Hummel is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in the Public Administration Program at the University of Michigan, Flint. He teaches classes on public policy, intergovernmental relations and public administration. His office # is 810-237-6560. His email is [email protected]. You can also visit his website: www.hummel-research.com.
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The Use of Water Trails and Other Outdoor Amenities for Local Revitalization
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Daniel Hummel
May 30, 2019
Outdoor recreation has been considered a rural economic development tool for some time. The Outdoor Industry Association found that paddle sports are one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities, with those that pursue these sports on average having higher educations and incomes over $75,000. Tourism to these water trails is dependent on access and a host of key amenities that develop in tandem to a well-managed trail such as outfitters, lodging, dining and cultural institutions.
There is consensus in the literature on the benefits of trails and greenways to the local community. These outdoor spaces have been shown to attract businesses and residents. The relationship between the development of these outdoor amenities, increasing tourism and increasing community vitality has been established in research on these trails. One study on the Huron River Water Trail in Michigan found that towns along the river have experienced population growth; Tourists have decided to relocate to the area after visiting the town because of these amenities. These areas have become communities that have lower poverty rates, higher education and higher health levels. See the 2015 report by the River Management Society titled, “An Economic Argument for Water Trails.”
One cannot ignore the importance of these amenities in attracting a young and educated workforce, which is critical for local economic vitality. The seminal research of Richard Florida has found that young professionals in various creative class professions in the knowledge economy highly value outdoor recreation. These young people choose to live in communities that are in close proximity to such well-managed assets. This knowledge—coupled with the reality of a changing economy that puts less emphasis on place and more emphasis on connectivity and task—means that there is flexibility in choosing one’s community. For example, some who work in Silicon Valley have chosen to live in Bend, Oregon (a 10-hour drive away) because of closer proximity to outdoor amenities and affordability.
The development of these outdoor amenities helps to attract tourists who spend money and attract residents who buy homes there. Communities with well-developed trails and supporting amenities are healthy and growing communities. For example, the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas has become a model to emulate in many cities across the country with its connections to stores, restaurants and other places. In many places, it has been a transformative experience to view the river, again, as an asset that fuels local economic growth. This rediscovery has been an important step in local economic development.
For example, the City of Flint, along with its community partners, has been developing a water trail with portions of the Flint River. This may come as a surprise to those not familiar with the area and only know of the Flint River from the Flint Water Crisis. The Flint River is the cleanest it has been in a generation thanks to efforts to restore this natural resource. The Flint River Watershed Coalition established Kayak Flint, which rents kayaks and provides shuttle services. So far, the route is a little less than 2 miles (about 2 hours) and includes urban and rural areas. Along with the development of this budding water trail, opening this summer is another well-developed access point to the river, Paddlers’ Landing in the Mott Park Recreation Area. This access point highlights the importance of community-led efforts to raise funds as well as creative reuses of vacant land—the park used to be a golf course that closed in 2010.
In addition to the water trail, biking trails in the City of Flint and surrounding areas have been developed that connect with the river and larger biking trail systems. Again, the city along with the county and state governments, including community partners, have worked on developing these trails and improving connectivity not only between bike trails but also with the water trail. In addition, and according to best practice, these trails also include access to other amenities. For example, the Director of Genesee County Parks recently stated, “A biker can take the 2 mile ride from the outskirts of the city to see scenic views of the river, stop off for a craft beer at Tenacity Brewing, and ride along the river to Stepping Stone Falls.” The development of these amenities along with the affordability of the region are great assets for the economic revitalization of the City of Flint and its surrounding areas.
There are other great benefits to the development of these trails beyond their economic effects. As highlighted in a 2017 issue of the Michigan Township Focus, “The primary difference—and benefit—between a water trail and a mere paddling route is an intentional effort by a community to establish and strengthen its identity, attract local users and tourists and grow its local and regional economy while also promoting healthy lifestyles and clean water.” In many communities that have undergone a significant economic transformation, along with a severe loss of population, there is a need to re-establish this identity. These trails can be a major part of this effort.
Author: Dr. Hummel is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in the Public Administration Program at the University of Michigan, Flint. He teaches classes on public policy, intergovernmental relations and public administration. His office # is 810-237-6560. His email is [email protected]. You can also visit his website: www.hummel-research.com.
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