LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism announced Thursday $3.85 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants will be going to counties across the state.
Parks department officials said in a release that it is awarding $3.85 million in FY2025 Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects within 20 counties across the state.
The grants fall into two categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Park grants and matching grants.
“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,” Secretary Shea Lewis said. “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.”
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that the money awarded will stretch across the state and across outdoor activities.
“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,” the governor said. “We are proud to announce that $3.85 million we’re distributing will stretch across Arkansas and across outdoor activities.”
Katherine Andrews, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, said that the grants program supports the cities awarded in their efforts to developing facilities that encourage active lifestyles and enhance quality of life.
“The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program plays a vital role in expanding access to quality outdoor spaces across Arkansas,” Andrews said. “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.”
Some grant recipients include $774,662.38 for Benton to create the Cherry Demuth Campground/River Access and $100,000 for Hot Spring County to create the Bismarck community’s first community recreational site.
To see the full list of grant recipients, visit ADPHT.Arkansas.gov.