LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Three communities in North Central Arkansas will share in $3.6 million across the state in Outdoor Recreation Grants awarded from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. The projects are located within 25 counties and are divided into two categories: Matching Grants and Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods(FUN) Park Grants.Two of the awards are from the Matching Grants category and include the previously reported one in Mountain Home to develop an all-inclusive play area, amphitheater seating, restrooms, horseshoe pits and accessibility improvements at Hickory Park. The award is for $225,000.The Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District in Harrison assisted the City of Mountain Home with its grant proposal.
The second one in the category from North Central Arkansas is $90,000 for Mountain View to repair and refurbish the existing city pool and improve playground safety and access at the Stone County Recreational Complex.
In the FUN Grants category, Salem was awarded $75,000 to repair, refurbish and re-stripe (for tennis and pickleball) existing tennis courts at Salem City Park.
“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,” says 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 says. “We have found, during the pandemic, that these resources are more important than ever.”
“Few things can unite a community like a local park,” says 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.
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