Are there economic impact studies on splash pads?

Economic impact research on splash pads is thinner than on stadiums or convention centers but growing. Studies from university extension programs (Penn State, Texas A&M, University of Florida) and consultancies estimate per-pad annual economic activity at $50,000-$300,000 in nearby business spending — primarily restaurants, ice cream shops, retail, and gas. Methodology typically combines intercept surveys (asking visitors what else they spent that day) with cellphone-mobility data to track post-visit movements. Larger destination splash pads at regional parks generate higher impacts, sometimes $500,000 or more, and draw visitors from 30+ minute drives. Smaller neighborhood pads function more as local-spending captures than regional-spending generators. Research stresses that impact estimates should be net of substitution (would visitors have spent that money elsewhere?) and net of opportunity cost (could that capital have funded a higher-return amenity?). Cities use these studies to justify capital investment.