The Town of Columbus should be able to move forward with the purchase of a lot of approximately one acre adjacent to Veterans Park, which is located off Gibson Street just behind downtown.

The town was notified last Thursday that it received $48,000 from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to go toward the purchase.

Town council approved the acceptance of the grant during its meeting last week.

The town has been raising funds for some time to be able to make the purchase without taxpayer money. The grant requires a 50/50 match, and the town has already obtained the matching $48,000 through various fundraisers and generous donations, according to town manager Jonathan Kanipes report.

Local fundraising events have been held over the past year or so to benefit the town’s efforts to purchase the lot for Veteran’s Park. The land was last offered at $96,000.

Columbus plans for the land include constructing a permanent shelter and stage to enhance the use of Veteran’s Park. Events are currently held on a concrete pad at the park property.