Wake Forest residents have something new to look forward to as the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department sets to host a public Skate Park Design Presentation on November 12. Details about the up-and-coming skate park, including insights from prior community feedback and survey results, will be shared with the public during the meeting, which is slated to begin at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Ground Floor Meeting Room located at 301 S. Brooks St., according to a statement obtained by the Town of Wake Forest.
For those interested in attending the event, access to the room can be gained through Town Hall’s Taylor Street entrance. As per the same source, PRCR and New Line Skatepark staff are ready to directly engage with the public. They aim to not only present their findings but also to actively cease the opportunity to discuss any questions or comments attendees might have.
Looking back, this project roots to December 2023, when the town purchased 8.3 acres of land for this purpose, adjacent to Devon Square and E. Carroll Joyner Park. Following the acquisition of the land at 701 Harris Road, the town engaged in obtaining public input for the skate park and pump track through community meetings and an online survey, with the intent to shape the project to community needs and desires.
Early in 2024, the town's commitment to incorporating public opinion was further cemented through extensive community consultation efforts, which were a key requirement for securing grant funding. In late 2024, the Town was awarded a PARTF grant of $500,000, a significant financial push to help bring this community space to life. The design and construction of the skate park and pump track were entrusted to New Line Skatepark Inc., chosen through a publicly advertised Request for Qualifications (RFQ), the Town of Wake Forest announced in the recent press release.
The project doesn't just stop at a skate park and pump track. It's envisioned to become a more comprehensive recreational space, tentatively including amenities such as basketball and fitness courts, restrooms, and a picnic shelter. The town has signaled its aim to foster a diverse environment where various forms of physical activity can be embraced by the community, ensuring the new space will be a go-to spot for both skateboard enthusiasts and the general public seeking a place to spend time outdoors.
