One of the biggest attractions to working and living in the Grand Valley — or visiting here, for that matter — is the opportunity to play in the Grand Valley.

Scenic trails not only abound, but also await uncrowded only minutes away. For those who don’t want to walk, hike or bike, there’s boating and other water sports. That’s not to mention golfing and skiing. Depending on the season, it’s possible to enjoy both on the same day.

It’s not surprising, then, outdoor recreation plays a substantial role in the Grand Valley economy. A new study conducted by three professors at Colorado Mesa University estimates just how much.

The study is the first outdoor recreation economic impact study conducted on a county level in the United States and likely will serve as model for research elsewhere.

Adding the direct, indirect and induced effects of outdoor recreation businesses and outdoor recreation tourism in Mesa County, the economic impact tops
$484 million a year and accounts for a total of nearly 10,000 full- and part-time jobs. Those numbers constitute 7.2 percent of gross domestic product, the broad measure of goods and services produced in the county, and 11 percent of all jobs.

Nathan Perry, an economics professor at CMU and lead author of the study, puts it succinctly: “It’s such a big deal here.”

Perry emphasizes the study was conducted only to estimate the economic impact of outdoor recreation in Mesa County, not advocate for the diversity of businesses involved in outdoor recreation or recommend any policies or decisions. 

It’s difficult, though, to look at the findings and ignore the possibilities. Not the least of which is a tool in attracting and retaining employees as well as enticing businesses to move here to take advantage of the quality of life the area affords. 

Who knows? Maybe some of those businesses will be involved in outdoor recreation. They’ll add to the growing economic effects of working, living, visiting — and playing — in Mesa County.