A library, elementary school and park in Northwest Arkansas will each receive an $80,000 grant to improve their outdoor spaces, according to a news release from the Project for Public Spaces.
The Project for Public Spaces and the Walton Foundation have selected the Farmington Public Library, Leverett Elementary School in Fayetteville and Historic Twin Springs Park in Siloam Springs as recipients for its community placemaking grants.
The grants will be used to transform an underused lawn at the library and an empty lot at the school into hosting spaces for activities and community events. The park will use the funding to prepare for future infrastructure improvements, the release states.
Securing a community placemaking grant is an incredible opportunity for the Farmington Public Library, Director Rachel Sawyer said.
"We believe that the guidance offered by Project for Public Spaces is essential to ensure our approach is both inclusive and innovative," she added.
Leverett Elementary School is excited to kick off the community placemaking project, said Principal Christie Cremo.
"This project is a unique opportunity to unite our creativity and energy," he said. "Together, we're building a place that inspires curiosity, hands-on learning and a true sense of community."
Travis Chaney, Siloam Springs Parks and Recreation manager, said the downtown parks along Sager Creek are some of the most iconic features of the community, and the city aims to bring "new life to these historic spaces."
The funding includes planning guidance, design and implementation to allow the spaces to better serve their communities with a focus on inclusivity, engagement and long-lasting impact, according to the release.
This year's grants were awarded to U.S.-based 501c(3) nonprofits and local government agencies located in Washington or Benton counties and based on several criteria, including commitment to equity and inclusion, community reach and partnerships, the release states.
The projects are expected to be completed by October 2025.
"For over three years, the community placemaking grants have helped not only to transform places, but also to energize and uplift the people who love and care about them," said Elena Madison, Project for Public Spaces' director of projects. "The funding that supports placemaking efforts also brings people together, creates beautiful hubs of activity, spurs investment, a sense of belonging and so much more."