KNIGHTDALE - Mayor Russell Killen knows that, for most people, the future park off First Avenue in Old Town marks the opportunity for more ballgames and expanded recreation opportunities.

But Killen was excited about something else. He was planting a tree Saturday.

Killen joined Planning Director Chris Hills and tree board members Chuck Piratzky and Mark Swan as they planted a tree at the corner of a clearing on the new community park.

"We talk about building a better Knightdale, and projects like this park give us a chance to do that. We have a commitment to green space and open space, where people can get outside and enjoy themselves," Killen said.

The tree-planting was symbolic more than anything - there are plenty of trees on the 80-acre property - but Killen said he believes people will come to appreciate what the tree stands for.

"People may think about this park in terms the fields and the dog park and all the other amenities, but this place - it's so beautiful out here. This place used to be a nursery, and when people get out here and see the orchards and what we're doing to preserve those, they will realize this is all part of our heritage, and that means something," Killen said.

Before he helped plant the tree Saturday morning, Killen read aloud a proclamation declaring Saturday Arbor Day in Knightdale. Although the holiday typically is observed in the spring, towns all over the region recognize the holiday at convenient times to bring attention to those towns' efforts at maintaining a "green" community.

For those who weren't so interested in trees and the outdoorsy nature of Saturday's festivities, there were bounce houses, information booths, ice cream and music.