Joyner Park Pond closed due to suspected algae bloom

***UPDATE – Raleigh Water crews located the source of the leak and confirmed it was the result of a backed-up sewer line caused by kitchen grease.

Mitigation efforts in and around the Joyner Park Pond are expected to continue for the next several days.

The pond and the adjacent trail remain closed. Signage and fencing have been posted to inform the public of the pond’s closure (photos attached). Joyner Park visitors are urged to obey the signs and avoid the area.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. For more information, contact Stormwater Utility Manager Nick Nolte at 919-435-9449 or [email protected].

The information below was distributed Friday, Aug. 23, at 7:04 p.m.

***UPDATE - Further investigation has revealed that a sewer line leak is responsible for contaminating the Joyner Park Pond and likely responsible for causing the presence of red algae. As a result, both the pond and the adjacent trail are closed until further notice. 

Wake Forest officials are consulting with Raleigh Water and the NC Department of Environmental Quality to determine next steps.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. For more information, contact Stormwater Utility Manager Nick Nolte at 919-435-9449 or [email protected].

The information below was distributed today at 4:27 p.m.

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources Department has closed public access to the Joyner Park Pond due to the presence of red algae bloom. These blooms may produce toxins that can make people and pets sick. Park visitors are urged to avoid contact with the water and any areas of algae concentration, even on shore. 

During the closure, park visitors cannot:

• fish or engage in other recreational activities on or in the water

• Allow dogs to swim in or drink the water 

If you, your child, or your dog comes in contact with the water or an algae bloom, rinse off immediately. 

Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog has been around an algae bloom and shows symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions. These symptoms present themselves soon after exposure. Dogs have been known to eat the scum that washes ashore and/or lick scum out of their fur.

Algae blooms may last for weeks or may disappear quite quickly. Town officials are actively monitoring the situation and working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Signage and fencing have been posted to inform the public of the pond’s closure (see photo). Again, Joyner Park visitors are urged to obey the signs and avoid the area.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. For more information, contact Stormwater Utility Manager Nick Nolte at 919-435-9449 or [email protected].