LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Communities across Arkansas will see improvements to parks and recreational facilities thanks to $3.85 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants awarded by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for fiscal year 2025. The grants, distributed across 20 counties, aim to enhance public outdoor spaces and expand access to recreation opportunities.
The funding falls into two categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park grants and matching grants. The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program has played a significant role in supporting Arkansas communities for decades.
“The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) has provided $55.47 million in matching grants since 1988 and $17.4 million in FUN Park grants since 1991,” said Secretary Shea Lewis. “These funds have undoubtedly enriched the quality of life for Arkansans statewide, fostering greater access to outdoor recreation and bolstering the vitality of local economies.”
The grants help cities and counties develop and improve public outdoor recreation facilities, ensuring that communities have safe and engaging spaces for residents and visitors.
“I want Arkansas to be the best state in America to live, to work, and raise a family. But in order to do that, we have to make big improvements to things like our schools, our state parks, and public safety. We are proud to announce that $3.85 million we’re distributing will stretch across Arkansas and across outdoor activities,” said Governor Sanders.
Project officers with the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program conduct nearly 200 site visits annually to assist local communities in assessing the feasibility of proposed facilities, determining eligibility for grant funding, and guiding the planning process.
“The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program plays a vital role in expanding access to quality outdoor spaces across Arkansas,” said Katherine Andrews, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “We are proud to support these 23 cities in their efforts to develop parks and recreational facilities that encourage active lifestyles, strengthen local economies and enhance quality of life.”
Officials emphasize the long-term impact of these grants, which help local governments create and improve recreational spaces that benefit residents and visitors alike.
“We aim to help Arkansas communities create and improve outdoor spaces, and these grants provide the vital support they need,” said Terrance Youngblood, director of the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program. “We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and make a lasting impact across the state.”
With Arkansas’ reputation as the Natural State, outdoor recreation remains a key driver of tourism and economic growth. These grants reinforce the state’s commitment to preserving and expanding public outdoor spaces, ensuring communities have the resources needed to enhance their recreational offerings.
The 2025 matching grant recipients are:
– Barling (Sebastian County) to construct additional ADA compliant parking spaces and accessible pathways and to install a restroom facility in Barling City Park. – $250,000.00
– Batesville (Independence County) to construct a new inclusive play area in Riverside Park and install a new swing set at Westside Park. – $250,000.00
– Benton (Saline County) to create the Cherry Demuth Campground/River Access. – $774,662.38
– Blytheville (Mississippi County) to replace the six existing tennis courts with 2 full-sized basketball courts, 1 full-sized tennis court, 2 pickleball courts, and an ADA compliant playground at Walker Park. – $249,748.89
– Carlisle (Lonoke County) to renovate existing concession stand/restroom buildings at Carlisle City Park and Rockefellar Park. – $104,137.98
– Fayetteville (Washington County) to replace an outdated playground at Walker Park and to construct new, accessible facilities for the existing dog park at Bryce Davis Park. – $250,000.00
– Gateway (Benton County) to create an ADA parking space and replace the existing play equipment/impact surfacing at Gateway City Park. – $103,501.42
– Goshen (Arkansas County) to establish a pavilion/trailhead and to construct two ADA-compliant restrooms at Mill Branch Park. – $207,000.00
– Jonesboro (Craighead County) to replace the existing playground at Allen Park with an all-inclusive one. – $289,515.00
– McGehee (Desha County) to add a pavilion area, playground equipment, and lighting improvements to the McGehee Recreational Complex. – $125,034.00
– Mountain Home (Baxter County) to build an ADA accessible trail and four accessible fishing piers around the pond at McCabe Park. – $108,607.92
– North Little Rock (Pulaski County) to build a restroom/concession stand at the tornado impacted Funland Amusement Park in North Little Rock’s Burns Park. – $100,000.00
– Russellville (Pope County) to install ADA accessible restrooms and a beginner friendly skatepark at Harmon Park. – $239,850.00
The 2025 FUN Park grant recipients are:
– Austin (Lonoke County) to remove and replace the existing impact surface and play structure as well as install a 9-hole disc-golf course and community garden at Edith & Howard Martin Memorial Park. – $100,000.00
– Brinkley (Monroe County) to construct a new pavilion and sidewalks within Marian Anderson Park. – $99,996.00
– Cammack Village (Pulaski County) to replace old fall zone material in both play areas of Baker Park. – $100,000.00
– Dierks (Howard County) To replace existing fall zone, play equipment, and install ADA parking and sidewalk at Dierks City Park. – $99,979.00
– Foreman (Little River County) to create ADA parking and improved ADA sidewalks and upgrading the safety surfacing in Foreman Park and upgrade the shade structure and install an ADA accessible picnic table at Recreation Park. – $100,000.00
– Hot Spring County – Bismarck Community to create the first community recreational site which will include ADA accessible parking and sidewalks and a pavilion at Bismarck Community Park. – $100,000.00
– Judsonia (White County) to repair the existing amphitheater and install ADA parking pad and sidewalk at Friendly Acres Park. – $100,000.00
– Lockesburg (Sevier County) to add new playground equipment and a pickleball court to Lockesburg City Park. – $99,430.00
– Newark (Independence County) to construct a pavilion including picnic tables, as well as ADA parking spaces and connecting sidewalks at Newark City Park. – $100,000.00
– Tupelo (Jackson County) to update older equipment and purchase a new play structure at Tupelo City Park. – $100,000.00
Matching and FUN Grants from previous years:
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