(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism announces more than $3.6 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants awarded to projects within 25 counties across the state. The grants are divided into two categories: Matching Grants and Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods  (FUN) Park Grants.

“The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program has provided $47.2 million in matching grants since 1988 and nearly $11 million in FUN Park Grants since 1991,” said Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst.  “There’s no question that these grants to Arkansas cities and counties have been impactful and led to increased access to outdoor recreation and improved quality of life for our state’s residents. These monies help create opportunities for the public to get outside and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.”

“Much of the efforts of Arkansas State Parks is focused on the renowned locations of state parks.  The efforts of the Outdoor Recreation Grants section of State Parks allows us to further partner with communities and municipalities to provide recreational experiences,” Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis said. “We have found, during the pandemic, that these resources are more important than ever.

“Few things can unite a community like a local park,” said Outdoor Recreation Grants Program Director Matt McNair. “Whether tournament-caliber ballfields on the edge of town, playgrounds and basketball courts tucked away in unique neighborhoods, or tiny downtown pocket parks providing a little rest and shade to workers and errand-runners, local parks allow folks to reacquaint themselves with their neighbors and the things they love about their hometown. Everyone in our program feels proud and privileged to be a small part of that.”

Project Officers advise the Committee as to eligibility, feasibility and project history. Each year, nearly 200 site visits are conducted to assist local communities.

The list of the 2022 Matching Grant recipients include: 

The list of the 2022 FUN Park Grant recipients include:  

About the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program

The ORGP is housed within Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, and is tasked with the promotion and facilitation of public outdoor recreation in Arkansas. To help accomplish these goals, the ORGP offers technical and funding assistance for land acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation facilities to local governments throughout the state. Funding for Matching and FUN Park grants is provided by a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax administered by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Visit OutdoorGrants.com to learn more about the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program or contact Matt McNair at (501) 682-1227.

About Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism, and provide leadership in resource conservation. Arkansas State Parks serves more than 9 million visitors annually.  Connect with ASP on FacebookInstagramTwitter, and visit  ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.

About Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Through the work of its divisions, the department protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural, and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. To learn more about ADPHT visit https://adpht.arkansas.gov/.

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