Bonner Springs is investing $2 million to revitalize Centennial Park, targeting completion by the end of August. NewsBreak

What's coming to the park:

Who's behind it: Shiner Holdings Company is leading development efforts through a public-private partnership using both investment and tax dollars. Cary Shiner, founder and president, framed the project as filling a long-standing void in the historic downtown, especially with new apartment residents arriving soon. NewsBreak

Downtown Bonner Springs is undergoing a multi-million dollar revitalization aimed at boosting foot traffic in what had been a largely vacant area. The centerpieces are the $2 million Centennial Park makeover and 92 new apartments on the corner of Oak Street leading into the downtown district, expected to be completed by July. Shiner Holdings is also developing existing Oak Street properties into at least five new restaurants and shops. NewsBreakNewsBreak

The timing connects to the bigger Wyandotte County story: the new Kansas City Chiefs stadium coming within five years and the Mattel Theme Park development. Mattel has scaled back some of its plans — dropping a planned RV park after learning the Chiefs stadium would be its neighbor to the north — and is now leaning into commercial uses like retail and lodging, though it remains part of the Destination KCK STAR bond project with a 2030 target. NewsBreak

Local voices in the piece include economic development manager Megan Gilliland, Shiner Holdings founder Cary Shiner, and Aaron Natalie, who co-owns Fancy Fanny embroidery with his wife and recently moved into a larger downtown space. Gilliland noted that property tax dollars from the development will also help improve the city's sewer and water systems. NewsBreak

The article was written by KSHB 41's Isabella Ledonne, based on reporting from a Let's Talk event held in Bonner Springs.

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