Trumann Receives Grant for Outdoor Project

Arkansas to award $4.92 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants across 23 counties

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:06pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of people walking along a path in a blurred, warm-toned park, conveying the concept of increased access to outdoor spaces.New state grants will help expand access to community green spaces and outdoor recreation across Arkansas, improving public health and quality of life.Trumann Today

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced that the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism will be awarding $4.92 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects within 23 counties across the state. Trumann (Poinsett County) will receive a $100,000 Great Strides Grant to develop a 930-linear-foot, 10-foot-wide ADA multipurpose trail and 520 square feet of ADA parking space at the Betty Street Park.

Why it matters

The grants aim to expand access to outdoor recreation and improve quality of life across Arkansas, especially in smaller communities. These investments are expected to enhance public health, attract new residents, and support the state's growing outdoor economy.

The details

The grants fall into three categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park grants, matching grants, and Great Strides. Trumann's project will develop a new ADA-accessible walking trail and parking area at the Betty Street Park.

  • The grants were announced on April 6, 2026 by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The players

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The Governor of Arkansas who announced the $4.92 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants.

Shea Lewis

The Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, which is overseeing the grant program.

Katherine Andrews

The Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation at the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

Renee Mallory

The Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, which supports the grants' goal of improving public health through outdoor recreation.

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What they’re saying

“This year's multi-million-dollar investment in playgrounds, park facilities, and trails is helping make every part of Arkansas, especially our smaller communities, a great place to live and raise a family.”

— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

“Expanding access to outdoor recreation is a top priority for the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Through these grants, we're helping communities create more opportunities for people to get outside, improve their health and well-being and connect with the natural beauty that defines Arkansas.”

— Shea Lewis, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

“Our team works year-round to expand access to outdoor recreation across Arkansas through these grant programs. These investments enhance quality of life, attract visitors and new residents, and support the continued growth of Arkansas' outdoor economy.”

— Katherine Andrews, Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation

“Arkansas's natural beauty is one of its greatest public health assets, providing low-cost, community-driven opportunities for physical activity and social connection. Encouraging people to get outside and move remains a simple and proven strategy for improving health and these grants will help more individuals and families across the state access and enjoy the outdoor spaces that make Arkansas unique.”

— Renee Mallory, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Health

What’s next

The grants will be distributed to the 23 counties across Arkansas in the coming months, with the Trumann project expected to begin construction in the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

These Outdoor Recreation Grants demonstrate Arkansas' commitment to improving quality of life, public health, and economic development by investing in accessible community spaces and infrastructure that encourage residents to get outside and enjoy the state's natural assets.