Little Rock, Arkansas – In a major boost for local parks and recreation facilities, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Tuesday that the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is awarding $4.92 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects across 23 counties in the state. The funding, which is distributed through three programs—Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park grants, matching grants, and the revived Great Strides initiative—aims to expand access to outdoor recreation while promoting health, wellness, and community engagement.
“This year’s multi-million-dollar investment in playgrounds, park facilities, and trails is helping make every part of Arkansas, especially our smaller communities, a great place to live and raise a family,” said Governor Sanders. “We’re creating more opportunities for kids to get off screens and outdoors, strengthening local communities, and building a healthier, more connected Arkansas.”
The funding represents a continuation of Arkansas’ long-standing commitment to outdoor recreation, with the Sanders Administration building on decades of investment to create safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces for all residents. FUN Park and matching grants focus on developing facilities in areas that historically lacked access to quality recreational infrastructure, while Great Strides, reinstated in 2024 after a hiatus since 2017, provides targeted support for trails and ADA-accessible improvements funded by the state’s Tobacco Settlement Fund.
“Expanding access to outdoor recreation is a top priority for the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Department. “Through these grants, we’re helping communities create more opportunities for people to get outside, improve their health and well-being, and connect with the natural beauty that defines Arkansas.”
Katherine Andrews, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, emphasized the long-term impact of these grants on local communities. “Our team works year-round to expand access to outdoor recreation across Arkansas through these grant programs,” Andrews said. “These investments enhance quality of life, attract visitors and new residents, and support the continued growth of Arkansas’ outdoor economy.”
Health officials also highlighted the benefits of outdoor recreation for public wellness. “Arkansas’s natural beauty is one of its greatest public health assets, providing low-cost, community-driven opportunities for physical activity and social connection,” said Renee Mallory, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health. “Encouraging people to get outside and move remains a simple, proven strategy for improving health, and these grants will help more individuals and families across the state access and enjoy the outdoor spaces that make Arkansas unique.”
For matching and FUN Park grants, project officers conduct site evaluations to assess feasibility, eligibility, and the overall planning of proposed recreational facilities. Nearly 200 site visits are completed each year to ensure that local communities receive support in developing their parks, trails, and playgrounds. These investments have already made a visible impact on neighborhoods, encouraging greater community participation and engagement.
The 2026 matching grant awards reflect a diverse range of projects across the state. In Batesville, Independence County, $425,000 will fund the installation of mountain bike trails across four city locations, including Riverside Park, Fitzhugh Park, East Main Soccer Complex, and Green Nature Trails. Eureka Springs, Carroll County, will receive $200,000 for a new bathhouse at Lake Leatherwood with ADA accessibility, while Greenwood in Sebastian County will install an inclusive playground with $494,905 in funding. Harrison, Boone County, will upgrade play equipment and construct a splash pad with a $150,000 grant. Highfill in Benton County will develop a new park featuring a walking trail, pavilion, restroom, and ADA-compliant playground for $250,000. Other recipients include Pea Ridge, Pocahontas, Searcy, and Sebastian County, with projects ranging from trail construction to parking and restroom facilities.
The FUN Park grants, designed to create accessible recreational opportunities in underdeveloped neighborhoods, will support projects in 14 communities. Black Rock, Lawrence County, will install a new ADA basketball court and playground, while Blue Mountain, Logan County, will upgrade their existing playground and provide ADA access. Corning, Clay County, will add a toddler and ADA play area at Wynn Park. Etowah, Mississippi County, will repave walking trails, replace outdated play equipment, and improve ADA accessibility at Etowah Park. Additional grants will fund inclusive playgrounds, ADA improvements, and park enhancements in Hackett, Hardy, Holland, Menifee, Mountain Pine, Norphlet, Wickes, Willisville, Little River County, Madison County, and Union County, with individual awards ranging from approximately $99,430 to $100,000.
Great Strides grants, revived to fulfill the recommendations of the Natural State Initiative, focus on improving trail accessibility and enhancing community connections. Cherry Valley, Cross County, will construct a 1,650-foot asphalt walking trail with ADA parking and benches for $219,240. Holly Grove, Monroe County, will develop a 1,330-foot rail in their city park with striped ADA parking for $143,813. Trumann, Poinsett County, will build a 930-foot ADA multipurpose trail and additional ADA parking at Betty Street Park for $100,000. These projects aim to ensure equitable access to outdoor spaces for all residents, including individuals with disabilities.
Since its inception in 1988, Arkansas’ Outdoor Recreation Grants Program has invested more than $80 million in the development of parks, trails, playgrounds, and other public recreational facilities. Over the decades, these grants have strengthened communities, provided opportunities for families to connect with nature, and contributed to the growth of the state’s outdoor tourism economy.
Governor Sanders’ announcement demonstrates the administration’s ongoing commitment to improving Arkansas’ quality of life through outdoor recreation. By targeting both underdeveloped neighborhoods and established communities, the grants foster inclusivity, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. The investments not only provide opportunities for physical activity and family engagement but also contribute to economic development by enhancing local attractions and drawing visitors.
For many smaller communities, the grants represent a significant opportunity to upgrade aging infrastructure and create new recreational spaces. Inclusive and ADA-compliant designs ensure that parks and playgrounds are accessible to all residents, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Local leaders and residents have praised the programs for transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant community hubs that promote health, well-being, and social cohesion.
“These grants are more than just dollars for construction,” Governor Sanders said. “They represent an investment in the people of Arkansas, in our children, and in the long-term health and prosperity of our communities. Parks, trails, and playgrounds are where memories are made, friendships grow, and families thrive. This funding helps every community, regardless of size, provide those opportunities to their residents.”
The 2026 Outdoor Recreation Grants underscore the state’s holistic approach to public health, economic growth, and community development. By fostering access to outdoor spaces, encouraging active lifestyles, and supporting inclusive design, the Sanders Administration is building a stronger, healthier Arkansas—one park, trail, and playground at a time.
Communities receiving grants are expected to begin planning and construction over the coming months, with completion dates varying by project scope. Local officials, residents, and volunteers are encouraged to participate in development and maintenance efforts to ensure that these spaces continue to serve the public for years to come.
As Arkansas continues to expand access to outdoor recreation, the combined impact of FUN Park, matching, and Great Strides grants is expected to reach thousands of residents across the state, creating opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and connection with the state’s natural beauty. For many families, these investments will provide safe, enjoyable spaces to play, exercise, and build community bonds, helping to ensure that the natural resources of Arkansas remain a shared and cherished asset for generations to come.
