Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, joined by Secretary Shea Lewis, Secretary Renee Mallory, and Director Katherine Andrews of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, announced the distribution of $468,838.69 in Outdoor Recreation Grants to four Arkansas cities last week. This funding marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Great Strides program, a project that had remained dormant since 2017 but was revived by the Sanders Administration in 2024, fulfilling a key recommendation of the Natural State Initiative.
The Outdoor Recreation Grants are funded through Arkansas’ Tobacco Settlement Fund, and the program focuses on enhancing the quality of life across the state, particularly in smaller communities.
“The focus of the Great Strides program since we restarted it has been to make every part of Arkansas, particularly our smaller communities, great places to live and raise a family by investing in outdoor recreation opportunities,” Governor Sanders said. She extended her gratitude to the Departments of Health and Parks, Heritage and Tourism for their efforts, and also praised the four communities receiving the grants for their commitment to improving residents’ lives.
Strengthening Community Health and Economic Growth
Secretary Shea Lewis of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism emphasized the broader benefits of these investments, stating, “These grants exemplify our shared commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for all Arkansans, reflecting the bold vision of the Governor’s Natural State Initiative. When we support outdoor recreation, we’re doing more than improving parks and pathways—we’re investing in public health, economic growth, and quality of life.”
Renee Mallory, Secretary of Health, also highlighted the health impacts of the new trails and facilities. “We are thrilled to be able to give communities the resources they need to design outdoor spaces that provide more opportunities for healthy living,” she said. “Outdoor trails can improve our physical, mental, and social health and wellness and allow for healthier lifestyle choices for ourselves, our families, and our communities.”
Director Katherine Andrews of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation celebrated the partnerships that made these grants possible. “Today, we celebrate four different communities in Arkansas that now have the opportunity to expand and improve their access to outdoor recreation,” she said. “It is an honor that we can continue to provide these grants to communities that want to create new connections to the outdoors for their residents.”
The 2025 Great Strides grant recipients are:
- Denning, $73,897.50, City of Denning Park Trail
- Keo, $114,192, City of Keo Park Trail
- Ozan, $121,200, City of Ozan Park Trail
- Sulphur Springs, $159,550, City of Sulphur Springs Park Trail
Each of these communities plans to use the funds to establish health and fitness trails aimed at promoting physical activity and improving public health through safe, accessible outdoor spaces.
Since its beginning in 2001, the Great Strides program has funded 105 projects across 58 counties, amounting to a total of $3,832,315.60 invested in Arkansas’ outdoor recreation infrastructure.
