The Tyrrell County Board of Education has given tentative approval to leasing to the Tyrrell County Parks and Recreation Commission an unused parking lot on North Road Street for conversion into an adult basketball court, Columbia Alderman James Cahoon told his colleagues July 5.

Carrie Lee Hoffman and Joseph Reeder asked in June for permission to install a regulation-size basketball goal at the Children’s Playground on Scuppernong Drive. Cahoon and Alderman Sandra Owens were appointed a committee to negotiate with them.

The Children’s Playground is designed to attract younger children accompanied by a parent.

Reeder said in June that 200 Columbia residents have signed a petition asking for playground improvements, and he stressed the need for a regulation-size basketball goal for high school athletes to practice.

The cost for Dominion NC Power to provide lighting at the Children’s Playground was estimated at $15-25,000, and the purchase and installation of security cameras could be $8,000, said Town Manager Rhett White in June.

Similar costs could be expected at the North Road Street site opposite Columbia Missionary Baptist Church.