Council members unanimously voted Thursday to pursue the creation of a park on 11 acres at Harrison Avenue and Cary Parkway, across from Cary Academy.

They're taking the land from the Veterans Freedom Park Foundation, a group formed several years ago that couldn't raise enough money for the park.

The deal has been negotiated by SAS, the town's largest employer and original owner of the land, which wants to donate the plot to the town.

The company offered to construct a $1.9 million, 120-foot spire that would serve as a monument to veterans from the state.

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, a software developer at SAS, initiated the action after a meeting with top SAS officials Ann Goodnight and John Boswell, chief legal officer.

The vote of approval means town staff must now investigate the costs involved with taking on the property.

Councilwoman Julie Robison suggested looking into potential funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"For us not to ask staff to investigate this would be criminal," Councilman Don Frantz said. "It's a wonderful opportunity."

Councilman Erv Portman said it was important the town engage veterans organizations in Cary while planning the park.

"We want to accept the generosity that's being offered and ensure that it's done in an inclusive way that respects everyone's opinions as best can be done in a public project," he said.

SAS deeded 11 acres of land to the foundation over five years ago so they could raise money to construct and design several structures for the park, which would serve as a state memorial to veterans.

Once the funds were raised and structures built, the foundation was to have transferred control to the town, which would oversee park maintenance, according to an agenda report.

But the foundation has been unable to raise funds, the report said.

The town would be fully responsible for managing the park.