Abstract: Summary of the latest findings of the Center for Regional Analysis' research on economic impact of spending by local and regional public park systems in the United States and the role that local parks play in 21st century local economic development. This research, conducted in direct collaboration with the research staff of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), examines the role that local parks play in 21st century local economic development, and adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that the benefits of parks extend well beyond their role as a public amenity and an enhancement to quality of life in their communities. In this research report, we present our analysis of the economic and fiscal impacts of local park and recreation system spending on state and national economies.