一般公立遊憩單位多以教育與娛樂爲主要經營目標，但其收支及遊客消費亦頗俱經濟價值，對所在之城市有相當助益。本文以Cleveland，Ohio之動物園爲例，實際敘述經濟效益之評估方法。凡公民營之遊憩單位可以考慮做經濟效益分析，以強調其對社會之經濟貢獻。

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a major education and recreation institution, but its financial contribution to the Cleveland area economy is often overlooked. This study was designed to measure the economic impact of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on the Cleveland area economy. The study estimated the direct and indirect impacts, and applied selected multipliers to derive the total economic impact. It was concluded that the Zoo is a catalyst for local economy with contributions averaged $46 million between 1993 and 1994. With continuing Zoo development and visitation rate, the potential impact in future years will remain significant.