County commissioners on Monday night approved a plan for the first county park to be constructed on the site of the old Davie County High School on US 601 South in Mocksville.

The cost for Phase I of the park is nearly $5 million. Commissioners also on Monday approved adding to the park fund $890,000 that had been set aside for granting opportunities for local community recreation facilities.

Taken from that $5 million in bond money available is a $150,000 grant to Davie Little League, which also received a $350,000 loan from the county. Also taken from the total is a portion of consultant fees.

Commissioner Mark Jones said the decision to use all of the money for the new park came from a recreation committee, headed by Danny Correll, that included representation from all corners of the county, as well as all socio-economic groups. “It’s one of the finest committees we’ve ever put together,” he said Monday night.

Recreation Director Paul Moore said that Phase I will include six of the 10 top-ranked items, as decided by residents in surveys and meetings. “It truly represents the voices and dreams of our residents,” he said.

The approved plan includes:

• landscaping, walking and biking trails;

• a playground for all age groups;

• a splash pad;

• picnic shelters;

• dog park;

• adventures course;

• amphitheater;

• rock climbing wall;

• courts for games such as pickleball, horseshoes, bocce;

• 300-foot softball/baseball field, 210-foot baseball t-ball field;

• indoor running/walking track;

• weight room, cardiovascular area;

• green areas; and

• areas for arts and crafts, aerobics and dance classes.

Because of renovations to the existing gyms and property, Phase I won’t provide “a lot of bang for the bucks,” Moore said.

The cost also includes roof renovations, a new security system, new plumbing (The old gym has lockers and large shower facilities deemed unnecessary.), a new lobby and entrance to the main gym.

While the school system is completing its obligation of demolishing the older buildings, the county has decided to also demolish the cafeteria and “B” building.

Project Manager Brad Blackwelder said he expects the county to receive the property from the school system in February, and bid the project in the spring. Construction should start during the summer.