The Town of Columbus mailed out the week before Thanksgiving surveys on recreational opportunities in the area. &bsp;

The purpose of this survey is to gain input from the citizens of the town that will help Columbus manage its current facilities and programming and to plan for future recreational opportunities.

The survey also is part of the grant application required in applying for funding from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). &bsp;

The town is applying for the PARTF grant in an effort to receive funds to help with the acquisition of land next to the existing Veterans Memorial Park and to refurbish the fountain at the park. &bsp;

Columbus says it applied last year, but did not receive funding.&bsp; The stage portion of the project has been dropped from this application.

This survey is confidential.&bsp; The surveys are not numbered, and do not have watermarks for identification.&bsp; There is no way of knowing if anyone is associated with any survey. You do not have to sign your name. &bsp;

The town asks that residents please take a few minutes to complete the survey, and read each question carefully, and answer to the best of your knowledge. &bsp;

Surveys also are available at town hall and online at www.columbusnc.com.&bsp; The town says the information that you provide is very important in guiding Columbuss future recreational opportunities.

Please return all surveys by Friday, December 11.

For additional information or for other requests, contact the Columbus Town Hall, 828-894-8236.