Outdoor recreation in parks, on waterways, and elsewhere made Ohio $20 billion in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis's annual report, which charts the economic impact of outdoor recreation across the country, accounted for 2.4% GDP in 2025, or nearly $700 billion. This industry supports tens of thousands of Ohio jobs and billions in wages in fields ranging from boating and fishing to equestrian and snow sports. In Ohio, outdoor recreation makes up just 2.2% of our GDP, making it only the second-place place among 13 states and D.C. The state has been investing in outdoor recreation and bolstering outdoor spaces for years, investing heavily in outdoor spaces. The first-ever Ohio Outdoor Recreation Economy Conference in 2025 featured the Baileys Trail System, which opened in 2020 and returned $3.7 million in economic impact for Athens County while creating dozens of jobs.