In October the Town of Wake Forest and RRC associates mailed a survey to approximately 3,000 Wake Forest households as part of “Play It Forward Wake Forest” – a current initiative aimed at developing a new Parks & Recreation Master Plan. To date, fewer than 200 completed surveys have been submitted.
An important part in the effort to solicit public input, the questionnaire is designed to provide critical information in determining community values, satisfaction levels, needs and priorities, and demographics for the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department’s long-range planning efforts.
Data obtained from the mailed survey will be statistically summarized and used to inform recommendations within the master plan.
Wake Forest residents who complete and return the mailed survey will be entered into three final prize drawings for a chance to win one of the following: one month of Beginner Tae Kwon Do and one session of Tiny Ballerinas – a $73 value; four registration fee waivers for youth athletics – one per league – a $160 value; and four punch card passes for Holding Park Pool – good for 20 visits during the 2015 season – a $200 value.
Congratulations to Wake Forest residents Tom and Judie Dingbaum, winners of the Nov. 4 prize drawing for four tickets to “Christmas in New York” with Franc D’Ambrosio (a $100 value) at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre on Sunday, Dec. 7.
The next prize drawing is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 14.
Community input is the cornerstone of “Play It Forward Wake Forest,” so the PRCR is offering a variety of ways for residents to participate in the development of the new master plan.
In addition to the mailed survey, a link to an online questionnaire is now available at www.wakeforestnc.gov/play-it-forward-wake-forest.aspx.
Also, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5-6 p.m., the PRCR and Greenplay, LLC, the master plan consultant, will host a Youth Focus Group at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. All area youth are invited to attend and share their thoughts and opinions on Wake Forest parks and recreation facilities, programs and services.
A public meeting open to all Wake Forest residents will follow from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the session Greenplay will report its preliminary findings and discuss the next steps in the Master Plan process.
Finally, area residents are invited to share their thoughts and opinions on “Engage Wake Forest” – the town’s comprehensive community engagement website. Developed by MindMixer and located at www.engage.wakeforestnc.gov, the site offers residents the opportunity to share their ideas and opinions on a variety of topics related to the Master Plan project. Current questions include “What programs should be offered by Wake Forest PRCR to promote healthy lifestyles?” and “If Wake Forest were to build a new aquatic facility, what features would you like to see in it?”
The Parks & Recreation 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 examine 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 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.
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, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/play-it-forward-wake-forest.aspx or contact PRCR Director Ruben Wall at 919-435-9561 or rwall@wakeforestnc.gov
