The City wants to partner with residents to spruce up Merriam neighborhoods with the Neighborhood Island Grant. This pilot program is a 100 percent reimbursement grant (up to $350) to residents who offer to maintain one of the 20 neighborhood islands located throughout the city.

The grant covers island improvements including the purchase of preapproved plants or trees. To be eligible for reimbursement, all plants must be installed by June 15 and monitored through the end of summer.

“I’m excited to learn how well this pilot program works and see if this opportunity can be expanded into other neighborhoods in the future,” City Administrator Chris Engel said. “While this may seem unique and ‘outside-the-box,’ it truly represents the commitment of our Mayor and City Council to explore the many different ways we can partner with our residents to strengthen our neighborhoods.”

Applicants don’t have to live in the same neighborhood as the island, and you can be approved for multiple locations. The City will give out one annual grant per island.

Call Public Works at 913-322-5570 or visit merriam.org/neighborhoodisland for an application or for more information, including island locations and types of plants allowed at each island.