BRONSON, Kan. — The City of Bronson is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Kansas Department of Commerce to support long-awaited improvements to the Bronson City Park.
The CDBG program is a federal initiative administered by the State of Kansas that provides funding to small and rural communities for essential infrastructure and community development projects. The program is designed to enhance public spaces, promote economic vitality, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
This achievement is the result of collaboration, vision, and community commitment. The current Bronson City Council partnered with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) through the Rural Champion Grant Program, which provided $25,000 to begin redesigning and reimagining the park space. Additional contributions from the Helen Bolling Memorial Fund and other community donations allowed the council to braid all available funds together and pursue the larger CDBG grant to complete the park upgrades.
With the assistance of the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC) in both the application and administration process, Bronson’s vision for a safer, more inclusive, and vibrant community park is becoming a reality.
“Being a lifelong Bronson resident, but knowing our park needed improvements that the city could not afford was frustrating. We have streets, sewer, and other concerns that always seem to push the city park to the back burner. This opportunity we have been given is amazing and we’re all proud to be a part of,” said Joshua Marlow, Bronson Mayor.
The CDBG program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is one of the most sought-after and highly competitive funding opportunities for communities across the state. By securing this funding, the City of Bronson will be able to move forward with this project without bearing the full cost locally.
“We’re greatly appreciative of the support for this project from our residents, City Council as well as our city staff, the Kansas Department of Commerce, the CDBG Program, the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, HBCAT, the Office of Rural Prosperity, and so many more,” said Kelly Perry, Council President and Rural Champion. “This funding will go a long way in making much overdue improvements to our community.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with regular updates provided as the project progresses.
