LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — Bismarck was among 10 Arkansas communities awarded grant funding for the addition of recreation, the state Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism announced Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The department is awarding $3.85 million in outdoor recreation grant to projects in 20 counties across the state. Bismarck was among the communities set to receive a Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park grants. Half of the 20 communities tapped for funding are receiving matching grants.
Bismarck will be awarded $100,000 to create the first community recreational site, which will include ADA accessible parking and sidewalks and a pavilion at Bismarck Community Park.
“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.”
Other FUN Park grants awarded to South Arkansas communities include:
Dierks (Howard County) is receiving $99,979.00 to replace existing fall zone, play equipment, and install ADA parking and sidewalk at Dierks City Park.
Foreman (Little River County) is receiving $100,000 to create ADA parking and improved ADA sidewalks and upgrading the safety surfacing in Foreman Park and upgrade the shade structure and install an ADA accessible picnic table at Recreation Park.
Lockesburg (Sevier County) is receiving $99,430 to add new playground equipment and a pickleball court to Lockesburg City Park.
A South Arkansas community receiving a matching grant is McGehee (Desha County), which will match $125,034 to add a pavilion area, playground equipment, and lighting improvements to the McGehee Recreational Complex.
“I want Arkansas to be the best state in America to live, to work, and raise a family,” Gov. Sarah Sanders said. “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.”
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.”
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