By John David
Sports tourism is a booming and sustainable industry, and communities that creatively utilize their parks and recreation offerings can tap into its economic and social benefits. Local parks and recreation facilities provide excellent opportunities to attract visitors, generate revenue, and enhance community engagement.
Here are some unique ways communities – including Flint & Genesee – are leveraging these types of spaces to bolster sports tourism.
1. Multi-Use Recreational Spaces
One of the biggest challenges for communities is optimizing space while serving both residents and tourists. Designing multi-use fields and adaptable recreational spaces can help parks accommodate various sports, from youth leagues to adult amateur tournaments. A great example is Creasey Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc, which has walking trails and a winter sledding hill for residents to enjoy. In the summer, the park also hosts the FireStix College Exposure Softball Tournament, accounting for over 700 hotel room nights over the course of three days.
2. Trail-Based Sports Tourism
Hiking, biking, and trail running events are gaining momentum in sports tourism. Communities with well-maintained trail systems can host ultra-marathons, mountain biking championships, or orienteering competitions. Linden County Park, for example, has leaned into this trend with its trails and waterways at Byrum Lake’s Clover Beach, hosting the FirstTry Triathlon each year.
3. Signature Experiences Around Water Sports
Communities with access to lakes, rivers, or waterfronts can establish themselves as destinations for water sports tourism. Hosting fishing tournaments, kayaking races, paddleboarding festivals, or open-water swimming competitions can bring in athletes and spectators while showcasing the natural beauty of the area. Locally, the Mott Lake Regatta has become a popular event, drawing participants and spectators from all over to witness powerboats hitting high speeds in inboard hydroplane races.
4. Wellness and Adventure Tourism
Many travelers seek destinations that offer active and wellness-focused experiences. Parks and recreation departments can cater to this audience by integrating yoga in the park, outdoor fitness boot camps, or obstacle course challenges into their programming. This year, athletes can enjoy the perfect combination of fitness and fun at the MudGirl obstacle race taking place at Genesee County Parks’ Everett A. Cummings Center on July 12.
5. Partnership With a Local CVB
The key to success in sports tourism when working with parks and recreation lies in the critical role of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), like Explore Flint & Genesee in Genesee County. Their expertise, resources, and strategic vision are essential in attracting and executing successful events. The winning combination is the powerful connection of parks and recreation departments providing the infrastructure, while the CVB amplifies the effort by attracting the events, marketing the destination, being the community connector, and forging partnerships that drive economic impact.
Communities can uniquely leverage their parks and recreation assets to drive sports tourism in innovative ways. With strategic planning and partnership, recreation can be a powerful economic driver that enhances both the quality of life for residents and the appeal for visitors. Learn more at sportseta.org.