National parks are a big economic engine in the United States, including Padre Island National Seashore on Padre Island. According to a 2015 report from the National Park Service, park visitors spent $16.9 billion in regions with national parks. Tourists support hundreds of thousands of jobs and local economies across the country.
Our own local national park is no exception. With 70 miles of pristine coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island National Seashore is the longest undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world. It is also home to the rare and endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
“We have huge economic value beyond the conservational and recreational,” said PINS superintendent Mark Spier.
In 2015, visitors to PINS spent $24.6 million — money that supported 368 local jobs. In addition to the park’s permanent and seasonal staff, workers at restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and gas stations reap the benefits of visitors to the seashore.
“Our entrance is a nominal fee — $10 for a whole week — a bargain for what you get,” Spier said. “The greatest deal in the whole country, in my opinion.”
Spier asserts that spending time at the shore is good for physical and mental health. What’s good for the park is also good for the local economy.
“People spend hundreds of dollars to feel rejuvenated when you can come here for $10,” he said. “It’s good for your mind, body and soul. It’s not just that, either; you give value to the community.”
PINS a park that pays off
Hatchling Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the biggest celebrities at Padre Island National Seashore, but certainly not the only wildlife to be found there. Visitors to the national park bring big tourism bucks to the area, helping with conservation as well as the economy. Courtesy Photo