The Belton City Council last Tuesday approved spending $100,000 on renovations at the Belton Senior Activity Center to expand and improve the facility’s activity and meeting spaces. The funds, drawn from interest earnings on the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

According to Judy Owens, Activity Director for the center, they anticipate using the funds to add up to 1,000 square feet of additional space, enhance storage, and improve accessibility throughout the center. “But no specific details have been laid out at this time,” said Owens.

This latest allocation to the Senior Center is part of the city’s ongoing use of interest earnings from ARPA funds. Earlier this year, the City Council approved $391,653 in ARPA interest funding for community projects, including the purchase of a temporary bridge to be placed over Nolan Creek, enhancements to the multipurpose field at Heritage Park, and expansion of pickleball courts at Chisholm Trail Park.

In 2021, the City of Belton received $5.68 million in federal ARPA funds to support local pandemic recovery efforts. The funds provided utility assistance for residents who needed it, local business support, and helped fund the Standpipe Park Project, among other things. The interest earned on these funds are not bound by ARPA’s original restrictions allowing the city to continue reinvesting in local priorities.

In the meantime, the center is hosting a potluck on Monday, November 25th at 5:30 p.m. with Mike Anderson performing and they Center will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th. Activities are suspended on Wednesday, November 27th, but lunch will still be served.