FUN Park Grants

FUN Park Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism - Office of Outdoor Recreation
Amount: Up to US $100,000
Last Updated: March 20, 2026

Summary

The FUN Park Grants, managed by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, aim to enhance local outdoor recreation facilities for small communities with populations of 7,500 or less. Grants can provide up to $100,000, with a focus on projects like playgrounds, sports courts, and pavilions. Emphasizing accessibility, these grants prioritize projects that balance active and passive recreation, ensuring they cater to all community members while adhering to ADA guidelines.

Overview

FUN Park Grants WhatIs the FUN Park Grant? The FUN Park Grant (Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods)is a no-match grant that is administered through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT). This grant is intended to help small communities in Arkansas develop public outdoor recreation facilities within their local parks. Funding for this grant is provided through a portion of the state Real Estate Transfer Tax. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants may request up to $100,000 in grant funding based on cost estimates and/or quotes for facilities included in the application. Funding: Grantee will be issued the entire grant amount prior to project development Grant completion timeframe: Grant project should be completed within one year of contract date.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants: Municipalities in Arkansas with populations of 7,500 or less and unincorporated communities that are sponsored by a city or county.Eligibility is based on the population that is listed onthe ArkansasMunicipal League website when application is received.Applicants are eligible to apply for a FUN Park Grant only if they have not received a FUN Park grant within the past five years.Eligible projects: Development of most outdoor recreation facilitiesTypical FUN Park FacilitiesBasketball CourtsBenchesCooking GrillsExercise TrailsParkingPavilionsPlaygroundsPlayground Fall ZonesPicnic TablesSidewalksTrash and Recycling ReceptaclesEligibile expenses:Grant funds may be used for:Construction and/or installation of open-air outdoor recreation facilities Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities such as re-roofing existing pavilions, improving parking areas, and replenishing fall zone material of an existing playground.Grant Rules and GuidelinesProof of Land ControlThe Applicant must own, lease, or have a written option to buy or lease property for proposed park development. The project site must be of sufficient size, suitable for park development, and convenient for local residents.Licensed Design ProfessionalUp to 12% of the FUN Park grant may be used for professional design services.Applicants who receive a grant award will be required to retain the services of a landscape architect, engineer, architect, or other relevant professional licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas.Administrative ServicesUpto 10% of the FUN Park grant may be used for administrative services. This is an optional expense.Barrier-Free AccessPlans must clearly show provisions for barrier-free access, consistent with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act - Accessibility Guidelines(ADA), for all grant-funded facilities.ParkUseFUN Park grant-funded facilities must be open to the general public at all reasonable times and consistent with guidelines outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act - Accessibility Guidelines (ADA) as amended.Applicants may submit only one application per cycle. However, counties may submit more than one FUN Park per cycle, provided each application is for a separate unincorporated community.Applicants are eligible to apply for a FUN Park Grant five years after the end of their prior grant award.

Ineligibility

FUN Park Grant funds may not be used as a match for any other grant program administered by ADPHT or any other state agencies.Used construction materials or facilities are not allowable unless approved by Program staff prior to use.Ineligible ExpensesGrant funds may not be used for:Construction of swimming pools or splash padsEnclosed structures including restrooms or concession standsPurchase or lease of park propertyRegular maintenance of existing parksRemovable equipment or facilitiesPurchase of tools and construction equipment Supplies such as gloves, bats, balls, etc.Work done by public officials and/or city workersIn-kind equipment use or in-kind laborGrantees are not permitted to utilize multiple funding sources for the same outdoor recreation project at the same time. If a city or county applies for an ORGP grant, that entity will not be permitted to utilize another state or federal grant for the same project at the same time. However, it is permissible for a city or county to apply for ORGP funding for one project, and also apply for other state or federal funding for a separate project within the same location at the same time.