The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is pleased to announce a new initiative designed to encourage public participation in its long-range planning efforts.
“Play It Forward Wake Forest” is the name given to the town’s approach to developing a comprehensive Master Plan. Coordinated by the PRCR, the Recreation Advisory Board, and GreenPlay, the master plan consultant, the initiative will offer residents a variety of innovative ways to get involved and offer their input.
The Master Plan reflects the town’s vision of a vibrant community that responds to the needs and desires of its residents, friends, and visitors for fun, healthy, exciting and diverse activities. The purpose of the plan is to look at where we are now, what the anticipated needs are for the future and how we can improve and upgrade our existing facilities and programs to effectively serve residents and visitors in years to come. Upon completion, the master plan will establish a 10-year vision for future parks, greenways, programs and facilities.
Wake Forest is contracting with GreenPlay, LLC, to assist with the master plan process. GreenPlay will inventory and assess the town’s existing facilities and program offerings to determine how they can be updated, expanded and improved to meet the community’s current and future needs.
Community input is the cornerstone of “Play It Forward Wake Forest.” Throughout the next several months the town will offer several opportunities for area residents to share their thoughts and opinions:
Public Meetings & Workshops
On Sept. 3 the PRCR hosted several focus groups and a public meeting designed to evaluate the town’s parks and recreation services. During the focus groups participants were invited to weigh in on the extent to which Wake Forest parks and recreation facilities, programs and services meet the needs of the community. Attendees were also asked to offer input concerning the need for additional facilities, amenities, programs and services.
GreenPlay will return on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to host a Youth Focus Group from 5 to 6 p.m. and a public meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to report preliminary findings. Both sessions will be held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
“Engage Wake Forest”
The Town of Wake Forest has createda comprehensive community engagement website to encourage public interaction and solicit feedback. Developed by MindMixer at www.engage.wakeforestnc.gov, the new site invites area residents to share their ideas on a variety of topics related to the Master Plan project.
Household Survey
The Town of Wake Forest and RRC Associates will mail a survey to approximately 3,000 randomly selected households in Wake Forest. The survey will provide critical information in determining community values, satisfaction levels, needs and priorities and demographics for the town’s long-range planning efforts. A web-based survey will also be offered. The data obtained from the mailed survey will be statistically summarized and used to inform recommendations within the master plan.
The town’s current Parks & Recreation Master Plan was developed in 2005 and is available for viewing at www.wakeforestnc.gov/2005-parks-recreation-master-plan.aspx. Citizens contributed ideas to the plan, calling for many improvements that have been achieved to date, including the development of new greenway trails and the introduction of programs designed to promote the town’s sustainability and environmental education.
Work on the new master plan is expected to be completed in mid-2015.
For more information, including a schedule of future focus groups and meetings, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/play-it-forward-wake-forest.aspx or contact PRCR Director Ruben Wall at 919-435-9561 or rwall@wakeforestnc.gov
