Several Kansas communities are getting a boost to help improve their communities.

The state Commerce Department awarded a total of a half-million dollars to seven communities Wednesday.

Among them, Melvern will get $42,000 to imrpove its Riverfront Park and trail system. They'll use the money for a new shelter/pavilion, self-contained bathroom, electricity, park benches and an information kiosk.

Wamego will use $100,000 for the City Park train enhancement project. The city plans a new shelter house with bathrooms and an area to house the train during inclement weather along with new track and and ADA-compliant rail car.

Other communities receiving grants include:
*Sharon Springs - $54,000, park revitalization
*Uniontown - $82,000, park improvements
*Smith Center - $62,000, safe playground equipment
*St. Paul - $100,000, park upgrades
*Haven Wellness Center, Inc. - $60,000, remodeling an old firehouse into a community wellness center

The money comes from the Small Communities Improvement Program, designed to help communities with populations less than 5000.