Arkansas City officials recently traveled to Topeka to take part in the official check presentation recognizing two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards the City received from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Arkansas City was the only community in Kansas to receive two CDBG awards during the 2025 funding cycle. The City received a $300,000 Housing Rehabilitation grant that will fund improvements to nine homes in Arkansas City. The project includes the rehabilitation of five rental units and four owner-occupied homes, along with the demolition of two vacant and blighted structures. The program is designed to improve housing conditions, remove unsafe properties, and support neighborhood revitalization. Arkansas City also received a $628,728 Community Facilities grant for improvements at Wilson Park. The funding will support the installation of new playground equipment, helping create an updated and more inclusive play space for children and families in the community. The V.J. Wilkins Foundation is also supporting the project with a $50,000 matching contribution toward the playground improvements.