Phase 2 of the new Mocksville Town Park should be built before the end of the year, and new trees will be planted at the town square this fall.

The park will include a fountain, grassy areas, benches and a picnic area. Bathrooms have already been constructed.

“The idea is to have a nice place for people to sit and enjoy downtown,” said Town Manager Marcus Abernethy, possibly a place for folks to enjoy their lunch.

It is not a recreational park like Rich Park, said Mayor Will Marklin, but more of a natural area downtown. The area will include a clock tower in cooperation with the Mocksville Rotary Club.

The town consulted with a second arborist, who concluded it was best to take down the trees on the square because of disease. He also gave suggestions as to the types – and size – of trees that could survive on the square, surrounded by concrete, asphalt and an urban-tupe atmosphere. He recommended trees no taller than 20 feet be placed there for the best chance of survival,  because taller trees would have a root ball that would be too big for the site.