Phase I of the new Mocksville Town Park was officially opened on Saturday.

State Rep. Julia Howard was on hand with town board members to cut the ribbon to a permanent bathroom, which will be open daily from 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Paid for by a grant secured by former Town Manager Christine Bralley, the bathrooms face the side of the police department on North Main Street.

Next phases of the park will include benches, a gazebo and grassy areas, a water feature in cooperation with the Mocksville Rotary Club, and a small ampitheater for concerts and other performances.

Town Manager Marcus Abernethy said the idea for a park between the police department and Horn building had been kicked around for years, but is now coming to fruition.

“This is the cornerstone of what young folks will see for many, many years,” Howard said.

“This is a great addition to our town,” Mayor Will Marklin said.

He also gave an update on downtown water line construction, which he said will begin in June.

Decisions on what types and when to plant new trees on the square will be made after the construction is completed, he said.

“Everything is happening as planned.”

Howard presented the town with a flag that had been flown over the state capitol.