Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a major investment aimed at expanding outdoor recreation across Arkansas, with millions of dollars now set to support projects in communities throughout the state.
The Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism is awarding a total of $4.92 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants, reaching projects across 23 counties. These grants are divided into three key categories, including Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Park grants, matching grants, and the revived Great Strides program.
The Great Strides program, which had been inactive since 2017, was brought back in 2024 under the Sanders administration as part of the Natural State Initiative. Funding for this effort comes from Arkansas’ Tobacco Settlement Fund, tying long-term health goals to outdoor access and community development…