The land and water conservation fund (LWCF) state and local assistance program provides matching grants to develop parks owned by states and local communities

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $300,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation on October 1, 2025, with a completion deadline of September 30, 2028. Through a subaward structure, the state agency will direct funding to the City of Thomas for developments at Prairie Chief Pond. This project will deliver outdoor recreation facilities and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance public access to recreational amenities and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for the general public in Oklahoma.

The funding is derived from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which is financed through offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal tax appropriations. The project aligns with Oklahoma's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan priorities and will result in tangible recreational improvements at a publicly owned park facility, consistent with the program's objective to advance outdoor recreation objectives through facility development and infrastructure enhancements at state and locally owned parks and recreation areas.

Based on its outdoor recreation priorities, the state has selected grant projects to receive LWCF funding. LWCF grants are made pursuant to 54 U.S.C. 2003 and are funded by offshore oil and gas lease revenue, not tax dollars. In this project, the oklahoma department of tourism and recreation will make a subaward to the city of thomas for developments at prairie chief pond. This project will benefit the general public.