Columbus Town Manager Tim Holloman says the town spends approximately $3,600 per year on renting tents for concerts and other events on the concrete slab currently at the park. The shelter would be used to provide protection from the weather for crowds at such events.

The town previously looked into purchasing the corner lot at Ward and Peak streets next to Veteran&39;s Park, but decided the cost was too high for the town&39;s budget without the help of grant funds.

Town officials say concerns have also been raised over how the lot, which is currently for sale, will be developed.

The town expects that the project will cost $144,500.The cost of the land purchase is $100,000. The cost of building a shelter is estimated at $30,000, with engineering costs at $9,500 and refurbishing expenses at $5,000.

The town will be seeking grant funds to cover half of the costs of the project, leaving $72,250 to be financed by the town or matched from its general fund.

The Veteran&squo;s Memorial Park was constructed by Columbus in 2004. The town currently spends between $9,000 and $11,000 per year on upkeep for the park.

The lot adjacent to the park is 0.6 acre and is buildable, according to Holloman, but council has not yet discussed any plans for the lot.