Recreation center tops facility needs
A large downtown recreation center filled with a competitive pool, water features, gyms, fitness and wellness space, an indoor track and community meeting space was the top new facility town residents listed during the community-wide input for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s developing master plan for Wake Forest.
The center is listed in the draft master plan with an estimated cost of $26 million along with completion of the greenway system, $4.6 million identified and paid for through the recent bond referendum; trail heads at entrance points to the greenway system, $332.827; and possibly construction of a pickle ball facility that could host regional league and tournament play.
Town residents are being asked to read the draft master plan, which can be found at http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/Data/Sites/1/media/parksrecreation/master-plan/wake-forest-final-draft-master-plan_2-24-15.pdf and send their comments to www.engage.wakeforestnc.gov before the end of day on Monday, March 9.
The draft does not include any funding information; the plan merely sets out what town residents and planners see as needed and/or possible for the next ten years.
As PRCR Director Ruben Wall has said, the current parks and recreation master plan did not anticipate the large increase in the town’s population during the past ten years. The new plan will strive to provide recreation, parks and cultural programs for a population of 47,000 by 2024. The Wake Forest Planning Department 2014 Development Report says Wake Forest currently has 37,000 people. In 2000 the town population was just over 15,000.
There are 12 parks in town totaling 691 acres, 293 acres developed and 398 not; two community facilities; a 50-meter outdoor pool; a senior center and a performing arts center. PRCR co-hosts or participates in several special events, including concerts in the park, First Friday Flicks, the Halloween Spooktacular, Six Sundays in Spring, and a full schedule at the Renaissance Centre.
Having said that about events that are advertised in local newspapers and on the town’s website, one of the findings from the survey was that many respondents did not know what programs are offered, when or where. Many did not know about some parks or where they are located. They also thought it was difficult to find parks and greenways, indicating the need for better signs to get to parks and greenways and to get around the parks and greenways. Another lack was staffing; residents said the hours were too short for facilities and there is a need for better maintenance of the trails.
Overwhelmingly the residents said they wanted more programs for families, seniors and teenagers as well as an increase in the number of special events and festivals.
The number one request is to complete the greenway system to provide connectivity to other town amenities.
Another overwhelming majority wanted to see the town construct the multi-purpose, centrally located facility to include an aquatic center, gyms, fitness and wellness space, an indoor walking track and space for teen and senior programming.
