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

9 Apr 2025

News, Client Feature Article, Tourism

This article originally appeared on and was written for the City of Tracy Economic Development by Golden Shovel Agency.

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.

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About The Author

Chuck Friedbauer

Director of Content Management

Department: Content

Shaping Strategic Narratives to Drive Economic Growth

Chuck Friedbauer has served Golden Shovel’s clients as the Director of Content Management for over five years. With a unique background in journalism and engineering, Chuck leads the team of talented writers responsible for supporting Golden Shovel's clients by creating various forms of content, such as custom success stories, SEO-focused narratives, website development, and marketing strategy.

Chuck’s work in the economic development industry has focused on crafting compelling narratives that resonate with site selectors, businesses, and potential investors. He has played a vital role in helping communities communicate their unique economic advantages and growth opportunities.

His expertise lies in creating content that informs and inspires action, helping clients achieve their goals of economic growth and community development. At Golden Shovel, Chuck has contributed to various marketing and branding campaigns, utilizing SEO, content creation, and social media strategies to boost visibility and engagement. His leadership in content development has been essential in shaping how Golden Shovel tells the story of economic growth across the country.

With a passion for effective communication and strategic marketing, Chuck enjoys merging his technical background with inspiring economic success stories. His commitment to clients is to empower economic developers through impactful content that supports the growth of communities nationwide.

Based in Minneapolis, MN, he loves fly fishing, backpacking, and outdoor activities.

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