SHELBURNE — The Selectboard has allocated the town’s remaining $40,315 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding toward landscaping work at the pocket park and continued renovations at Cowell Gym.

For months, Selectboard members have pondered what to do with what’s left of the total $549,092 in pandemic recovery funding that Shelburne received. ARPA money must be allocated for a particular use by the end of this year and spent by Dec. 31, 2026.

After floating numerous ideas, the Selectboard settled on using $35,000 for landscaping work at the pocket park at the corner of Bridge Street and Deerfield Avenue, and $5,315 on continued renovations and repairs at Cowell Gym on Main Street.

The Selectboard approved creating a pocket park in the village in 2022, and in 2023, a pavilion was added to cover the picnic tables. With the remaining ARPA funds, the park will see continued landscaping improvements, such as the addition of some small trees, flowers and other greenery.

Meanwhile, the town has been working to renovate the Cowell Gym over the past year. New windows, fresh paint, new lighting and door repairs are still needed.

“They’ll blow through that $5,000 really easily,” commented Selectboard member Tricia Yacovone-Biagi.

The Selectboard noted that any funds that aren’t used for the pocket park landscaping can be reallocated toward Cowell Gym improvements.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.