City of Arkansas City Awarded Grant for Wilson Park Pickleball Courts

The City of Arkansas City is pleased to announce it has been awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant in the amount of $115,840 from the National Park Service, administered through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. 

These federal funds will be used to transform the existing tennis courts at Wilson Park into new pickleball courts. The project scope includes construction of a concrete viewing pad, installation of fencing, netting and poles, LED lighting, and wind break screens. The improvements are designed to enhance recreational opportunities for the community and support the growing popularity of pickleball. 

The total project cost is $231,680, with a 50 percent local match commitment funded through ongoing fundraising efforts by local pickleball groups. Project funding is available from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2028. 

“This is a great example of partnership between local residents, the City, and federal support to make Wilson Park an even better community destination,” said City Manager Randy Frazer. “We’re excited to see this project move forward and grateful to the pickleball community for stepping up to make it possible.” 

The grant was awarded under National Park Service Project No. 20-00839. The City will work with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to administer the funds and ensure all project requirements are met.