 Nearly $500,000 in grants were awarded to seven Arkansas counties. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Little Rock Wednesday. The grants are part of the Great Strides program administered by the Office of Outdoor Recreation. They aim to improve the quality and accessibility of outdoor trails and walking paths. Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Shea Lewis, said he is proud to be a part of the Natural State Initiative. One of Arkansas' top attractions is our natural beauty.