In 2021, Arkansas Parks, Heritage, and Tourism offered grant opportunities for the State of Arkansas. After approval from the Mayor and City Council to apply for the grant being offered, an application was submitted on behalf of the City of Des Arc. The grant would provide improvements at the Baseball Complex.

The approval and application was followed by a Public Community Hearing on June 21, 2022. This meeting was advertised on Facebook, in the Hazen Herald, government offices and local businesses. Letters of support as well as citizens' verbal support were also included in the Public Community Hearing.

A site visit, which included Schelle Architect Firm, Central Arkansas Planning, Craig Treadwell representing the Baseball Association, and Gail King, grant committee representative for the City of Des Arc, took place on July 05, 2022. The Baseball Complex was assessed and plans were discussed by all the attendees at the meeting. The plan to do improvements in phases when grants were awarded was decided to be the best plan. As a phase is finished, a grant will be submitted to assure all improvements are completed.

On August 26, 2022, the application for the Arkansas Parks, Heritage, and Tourism was submitted for the City of Des Arc.

On October 27, 2022, Gail King, City Councilperson and Grant Committee representative, presented to the Arkansas Parks, Heritage, and Tourism commissioners in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the City of Des Arc’s proposal. A timed presentation reflecting the need of the referenced grant and how it would benefit our community was the topic.

On December 01, 2022, the City of Des Arc was awarded an Arkansas Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Grant in the amount of $158,876.62. This is a 50/50 grant.

The City of Des Arc will be allowed to use in-kind donations, private donations, city donations (labor) and business donations to meet their matching funds. An account has been set up for donations at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Des Arc, Arkansas. There are displays of the proposed project at the Farmers and Merchants Bank, Des Arc Utility Department, and at the Sno-White Dairy Bar. You can also donate by going to the City of Des Arc Facebook page where a QR code & link will direct you to the donation page. All cash donations are to go to Farmers and Merchants Bank in Des Arc or City Hall.

Phase one will include: handicap accessible bathrooms, a concession stand, a coach’s room, supply storage, a pavilion with an eating area, as well as handicap accessible walkways to field one and the bathroom/concession area. This is a great opportunity for the City of Des Arc to support our youth. Baseball is one of the few summer activities that provides exercise, team learning experiences, scholarships, fun, and the forming of life long friendships.

Current Status:

Construction on this project has not yet started.