Northwest Missouri State will apply for $490,000 dollars in state grant money for improvements in and around Colden Pond.
That's after the board of regents approved the administration's proposal during their quarterly meeting last Friday (October 30).
Assistant vice president of facility services Scott Kuhlemeyer told the regents the project will require an equal match from the university, combining in-kind services with possible cash from future campus master plan money.
Click the LISTEN button to hear Scott Kuhlemeyer's comments during the October 30, 2026 Northwest Missouri State board of regents meeting.
Kuhlemeyer said a decision from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is not expected until 2028 and if approved, work would not start until the 2029 fiscal year.
The project, which was endorsed by the Maryville city council, would replace the iconic kissing bridge, renovate the pond and pier, expand leisure and social space, and add a boardwalk, gazebo, an outdoor learning environment, and a picnic station.
Original story posted October 28, 2026:
Proposed improvements at and around Northwest Missouri State's Colden Pond are endorsed by the Maryville city council.
Northwest assistant vice president of facility services Scott Kuhlemeyer told the city council Monday night (October 26) the proposal calls for seeking a state grant that would replace the iconic kissing bridge, renovate the pond and pier, expand leisure and social space, and add a boardwalk, gazebo, an outdoor learning environment, and a picnic station.
The proposal will be considered by Northwest Missouri State's board of regents at its quarterly meeting on Friday morning (October 30).
Kuhlemeyer said the earliest they'll know if they are awarded a grant is in 2028.
