The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is set to implement an important part of its recently updated fees and charges policy by requiring non-Wake Forest residents to pay a fee to obtain a Recreation Card (Rec Card).
Both residents and non-residents ages 11 and older must have a Rec Card to use the amenities offered at parks and rec facilities, including the Joyner Park Community Center and Flaherty Park Community Center. Although Rec Cards are free for Wake Forest residents, the following fees now apply for people who live outside the Wake Forest town limits and do not pay Wake Forest property taxes: Individual, $25; Family, $50; Drop-in fee, $5. For both residents and non-residents, there is a $5 replacement fee for lost or stolen cards.
To obtain a Rec Card you must first create an online profile at http://wakeforestnc.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/. Then, visit the Flaherty Park Community Center at 1226 North White Street or the Alston-Massenburg Center at 416 North Taylor Street during normal business hours to have your picture taken and present proof of residency. Acceptable forms of proof include a valid picture ID with your current address, a current utility bill with your street address, or other document that includes your full name and address.
Residents and non-residents may also obtain a Rec Card at the Joyner Park Community Center Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 19, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then during normal business hours beginning Monday, Oct. 21.
Rec Cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase and must be renewed annually. At the time of renewal, individuals must return to a parks and rec facility with verification documents proving they still reside within the Wake Forest town limits.
Wake Forest residents and non-residents who obtain a Rec Card have access to amenities offered at all parks and rec facilities, including the new Joyner Park Community Center. During normal operating hours, card holders ages 11 and older can enjoy open gym times for volleyball, basketball and pickleball, while card holders ages 16 and older will be eligible to use the Joyner Park Community Center’s indoor walking track, cardio equipment and exercise room.
Area residents are invited to visit PRCR facilities any time, but a Rec Card is required to access the amenities, such as open gym times, cardio equipment and walking track. Anyone who qualifies for a Rec Card but does not want one must pay the $5 drop-in fee to use these amenities.
The Joyner Park Community Center Grand Opening Celebration is set for Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. The event will include a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, brief remarks by town officials, tours of the facility, class and program demonstrations, face painters, a DJ and light refreshments. A Fitness Fair will follow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring local health and fitness vendors. The facility will remain open for tours until 2 p.m. Again, residents and non-residents planning to attend the grand opening can obtain a Rec Card during the event, but can save time waiting in line by creating an online profile in advance at http://wakeforestnc.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/. Also, on the day of the event, be sure to bring proof of residency.
The Joyner Park Community Center will open for normal operating hours on Monday, Oct. 21. The facility will then operate according to the following schedule: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sundays 1-5 p.m. For more information about the center, visit http://bit.ly/JoynerParkCommunityCenter.
The Rec Card program was created to help ensure the safety of all patrons who use Wake Forest parks and rec facilities. For additional information about the Rec Card, contact Joyner Park Recreation Center Manager Cindi King at 919-435-9557 or cking@wakeforestnc.gov<mailto:cking@wakeforestnc.gov>.
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