Above (from left): Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Katherine Andrews, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Shea Lewis.
The City of Batesville has been awarded a $250,000 matching grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism to help construct a new inclusive play area at Riverside Park and install a new swing set at Westside Park.
The grant is part of $3.85 million in FY2025 Outdoor Recreation Grants the department is awarding to projects within 20 counties across the state. The grants fall into two categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park grants and matching grants.
“The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) has provided $55.47 million in matching grants since 1988 and $17.4 million in FUN Park grants since 1991,” said Secretary Shea Lewis. “These funds have undoubtedly enriched the quality of life for Arkansans statewide, fostering greater access to outdoor recreation and bolstering the vitality of local economies.”
“I want Arkansas to be the best state in America to live, to work, and raise a family. But in order to do that, we have to make big improvements to things like our schools, our state parks, and public safety. We are proud to announce that $3.85 million we’re distributing will stretch across Arkansas and across outdoor activities,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Project officers make recommendations regarding the feasibility of proposed facilities, eligibility for grant monies, and other facets of the planning process. Each year, nearly 200 site visits are conducted to assist local communities.
“The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program plays a vital role in expanding access to quality outdoor spaces across Arkansas,” said Katherine Andrews, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “We are proud to support these 23 cities in their efforts to develop parks and recreational facilities that encourage active lifestyles, strengthen local economies, and enhance quality of life.”
“We aim to help Arkansas communities create and improve outdoor spaces, and these grants provide the vital support they need,” said Terrance Youngblood, director of the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program. “We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and make a lasting impact across the state.”
Image: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism via Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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