“What are we doing today so that a century from now, people look back and say, ‘Thank goodness Marci was there to do this, or Secretary Dunn was there to do that.’ You can have that kind of impact if you’re really committed to the work.”
Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with Dr. Silas Chamberlin in this episode of Think Outside. Dr. Silas Chamberlin's career trajectory, from Academic Historian to York County's Chief Economic Development Officer, embodies Pennsylvania's evolving understanding of outdoor recreation.
No longer viewed merely as leisure, trails and parks are now recognized as critical economic drivers generating $19 billion annually for the Commonwealth, supporting over 9,000 outdoor businesses.
Silas’s research reveals a fundamental shift in how economic impact is measured. The Bureau of Economic Analysis now attributes previously dispersed data (bed-and-breakfasts near state parks, microbreweries along rail trails) directly to outdoor recreation through satellite accounting. This trillion-dollar national industry finally has quantifiable metrics. That has transformed anecdotal evidence into actionable policy.
Yet Silas identifies troubling equity gaps. While outdoor participation grows more diverse, the industry's marketing emphasis on expensive gear creates barriers. The message that quality recreation requires $300 specialized equipment excludes communities for whom hiking should be accessible with basic clothing. Organizations like Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps are countering this by promoting outdoor careers as viable pathways and not just spare-time activities.
York County exemplifies an integrated strategy. Their Trail Towns program, launched during the pandemic in June 2020, demonstrates measurable impact. In 2024, 14,000 visitors came directly from Gifford Pinchot State Park to Forry’s ice cream shop, with granular data showing specific customer origins. This attracts corporations seeking communities where executives want to live. Quality of life now outweighs tax incentives in location decisions.
The challenge ahead involves rebuilding the volunteerism culture. Historic hiking clubs built and maintained trails collectively; modern recreationists increasingly expect maintained infrastructure as public service. With ongoing federal investment uncertainty and infrastructure like engineered rail trails and expensive playground installations requiring different maintenance approaches, Pennsylvania must adapt volunteer opportunities to meet 21st-century recreationists on their terms.
Key Topics:
- Historian to Economic Developer Journey (02:16)
- Trillion-Dollar Outdoor Economy Emergence (08:44)
- Equity Barriers and Gear Culture (11:57)
- York County Economic Data and Impact (22:40)
- Quality of Life in Workforce Attraction (29:17)
- Volunteerism Evolution and Challenges (41:41)
- Outdoor Business Alliance Launch (48:06)
Resources:
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