October Issue #1

The Cost of Play: Why the Economics of Outdoor Recreation Matter

Play is often thought of as free, engaging in an activity for pleasure, however, behind every outdoor experience is a complex web of economic forces. From the price of gear, travel costs, permits, and guides, there are massive economic contributions that recreation makes to local and national economies.

Outdoor recreation is more than just exploration and fun, it’s a $1.2 trillion industry in the US that supports more than 5 million jobs. At the same time, the cost of entry, whether measured in dollars, access, or time, is rising. From $350 lift tickets to the sneaky costs of camping gear—the economics of play shape who participates, where they go, and how communities benefit.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive into case studies, highlight stories from communities built around recreation, and break down the numbers. Our goal is to start conversations about how we can make play sustainable for the people who recreate, the economies they support, and the land we explore on.