Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is awarding $4.92 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects across 23 counties.
The funding will support a wide range of improvements, including playgrounds, park facilities, walking trails, and other outdoor amenities. The grants are distributed through three programs: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park grants, matching grants, and the Great Strides initiative.
State officials said the investment is aimed at improving quality of life, especially in smaller communities, while encouraging outdoor activity and strengthening local economies.
“This year’s multi-million-dollar investment in playgrounds, park facilities, and trails is helping make every part of Arkansas a great place to live and raise a family,” Sanders said. “We’re creating more opportunities for kids to get off screens and outdoors.”
The Great Strides program, which was revived in 2024 after being inactive since 2017, is funded through Arkansas’ Tobacco Settlement Fund and focuses on expanding walking and trail infrastructure.
Officials with the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism said the grants will help communities create accessible outdoor spaces, improve public health, and attract visitors. The Arkansas Department of Health also noted that outdoor recreation plays a key role in promoting physical activity and social connection.
Each year, project officers conduct site visits and assist communities in planning and developing recreational facilities. Since 1988, the state’s Outdoor Recreation Grants Program has invested more than $80 million into similar projects statewide.
The 2026 funding includes multiple matching grant projects, such as trail expansions, playground upgrades, and park improvements in cities like Batesville, Eureka Springs, and Searcy. Additional FUN Park grants will support smaller communities with new playgrounds, ADA-accessible upgrades, and park renovations.
Great Strides grants will fund walking trail construction and accessibility improvements in communities including Cherry Valley, Holly Grove, and Trumann.
State leaders said the continued investment reflects Arkansas’ commitment to expanding outdoor opportunities and supporting long-term community development.