Tracy’s Recreational Tourism: Fueling Economic Vitality and Community Growth

California’s Central Valley is an economic hub known as one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. However, Tracy is on track to become a hub for recreational tourism, offering a diverse range of amenities and activities that enrich residents’ lives and stimulate the local economy. Adjacent to the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Tracy is leveraging its unique assets to promote economic development, attract visitors, and foster community engagement through a commitment to enhancing the quality of life through recreation.

Economic impact of tourism

Tracy’s recreational amenities include the Legacy Fields Sports Complex, Joe Wilson Pool, Lolly Hansen Senior Center, over 70 parks, and the Tracy Sports Complex. These facilities provide residents and visitors various activities, from sports and fitness to social gatherings and senior programs. Brian MacDonald, Tracy’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, said the economic impact of recreational tourism in Tracy is substantial, especially at Legacy Fields. 

Legacy Fields is a premier sports complex with nine baseball and eight soccer fields across 166 acres of active sports areas. It is one of the region’s largest multi-sport facilities designed to meet the growing demand for sports facilities. Legacy Fields generates nearly $1.9 million in annual revenue through an influx of visitors that supports local businesses, with expenditures in accommodation, food services, and retail contributing to the city’s economic vitality. The tourism linked to Legacy Fields alone sustains 32 full-time jobs, underscoring the importance of recreational facilities as an economic driver.

Enhancing Quality of Life

Recreation plays a crucial role in Tracy’s social and economic fabric through year-round activities that cater to all ages and interests. From educational programs that foster lifelong learning to fitness and wellness initiatives that promote physical health, the City of Tracy ensures that Tracy residents have access to meaningful and enjoyable experiences that contribute to a higher quality of life than other communities. One of the City’s slogans emphasizes the importance of recreational tourism for community and economic well-being - “Play Inside the Triangle,” a philosophy evident in the city’s commitment to providing free and low-cost programs, making recreation accessible to everyone.  

The City of Tracy’s strategic investment in recreational tourism is paying dividends in community enrichment and economic growth. With its robust lineup of amenities, events, and future developments, Tracy is well-positioned to continue attracting visitors while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Residents and visitors are encouraged to ‘Think Inside the Triangle’ for more information on upcoming events and growth opportunities.