Play It Forward Wake Forest
2024 PRCR Master Plan Update
In July 2023, the Town of Wake Forest began the process of updating the 2015 Parks & Recreation Master Plan through an initiative entitled “Play It Forward Wake Forest.” Coordinated by the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department and PRCR Advisory Board, the 14-month initiative culminated with the release of the 2024 Updated PRCR Master Plan.
During its regular meeting on September 17, 2024, the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the updated plan which will guide the development of the parks, recreation and cultural resources system over the next five years.
The Town of Wake Forest wishes to thank everyone who helped shape the future of the PRCR Department by participating in the Master Plan Update process.
For more information, email PRCR Director Ruben Wall.
What is the Master Plan?
The Master Plan reflects the town's vision of a vibrant community that responds to the needs and desires of its residents 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.
Master Plan Update
Wake Forest is undertaking a year-long comprehensive process that will guide the development of the parks, recreation and cultural resources system over the next five years.
Residents, visitors, and stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input throughout the process at the strategic milestones.
Impact Fee Study
As part of the 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update, a consultant, Benesch, performed a study to evaluate Wake Forest’s current recreation impact fees and determine whether increases are warranted.
Municipalities assess impact fees on property developers to pay for infrastructure improvements that must be built due to new property development. New development brings new residents, which can put a strain on a municipality’s infrastructure and services. Impact fees are designed to offset the additional cost of maintaining these services.
Benesch presented the 2024 Parks & Recreation Impact Fee Study Update and recommended fee adjustments to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) on September 3 and to the Planning Board on September 4.
Get Involved!
The Town of Wake Forest encourages you to "Play It Forward" by staying active in this process. Visit this page and Engage Wake Forest often for information on future engagement opportunities to contribute to your parks and recreation master plan.
You're also invited to visit Engage Wake Forest to submit any questions or concerns you have using the "Share Your Feedback" form.
Community Engagement
Community input is the cornerstone of the Master Plan process. Since June 2023, the Town has utilized a variety of methods to engage the community and solicit its input to help shape the future of the PRCR Department.
Public Open House
The PRCR Department hosted two public meetings (drop-in style open houses) where attendees were asked for their input concerning the need for facilities, amenities, programs, and services – and how the Town of Wake Forest should prioritize its investments in recreational offerings. These open house sessions will take place according to the following schedule:
Scientific Survey
The project team mailed a survey to approximately 3,000 randomly selected households in Wake Forest. The questionnaire provided critical information in determining community values, satisfaction levels, needs, priorities, and demographics. Residents receiving the survey were encouraged to submit the mail-in survey or to use the link provided in the accompanying letter to submit the survey online.
Web-based Survey
After the project team received the required number of scientific survey responses, a web-based survey was released to the community to reach a broader audience and provide an opportunity for residents who were not selected in the random sample. The data obtained from the survey will be used to inform recommendations within the master plan.
Special Events
The project team and the PRCR Advisory Board organized an input session at the Lighting of Wake Forest on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
Focus Groups
The project team engaged with focus groups to evaluate the PRCR Department’s parks and recreation services across five user segments. Focus group participants were invited to weigh in on the extent to which Wake Forest parks and recreation facilities, programs, and services meet their unique needs.
Please be sure to "Play It Forward" by staying active in this process. Check this page often for information on future engagement opportunities to contribute to your parks and recreation master plan.