Welcome to our weekly e-newsletter - What's Up in Wake Forest. Here you'll find information about Town programs, services, activities, projects, special events and more! If you haven't already, tell your friends and neighbors to visit our E-Notifier page to learn about our full array of free email offerings.
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Now that North Carolina has lifted all indoor and outdoor capacity requirements and masks and social distancing are no longer required, the Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce the return of several popular in-person events, including the July 3 Fireworks Spectacular and Friday Night on White featuring Crush on September 10. Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park will also resume on July 24 and August 7, while a “Halloween Boo Bash” will be offered at Joyner Park Community Center on October 21.
In addition, a special “Six Sundays in Fall” concert series has been scheduled at E. Carroll Joyner Park on six consecutive Sunday afternoons from September 5 through October 10, while the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-off is coming to Downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, Nov. 13.
“From the outset of the pandemic, we said that once state restrictions were lifted, we’d resume hosting in-person events,” said Mayor Vivian Jones. “Following last week’s announcement by Gov. Cooper, we’re beyond thrilled that we can resume gathering in-person with our family and friends for so many of our favorite community events.”
Additional information about Town happenings will be provided in the coming days.
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The Town of Wake Forest is launching a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors. Over the next year, #RecycleRightWF will introduce and emphasize a series of easy-to-understand messages aimed at simplifying the recycling process and improving the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.
“Recycling is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson. “#RecycleRightWF represents a major step forward for recycling in our community. We know our residents want to recycle the right way. Through this campaign, we plan to help them do just that.”
Over the past few years, Town officials have witnessed a steady increase in the amount of contaminated recyclables in recycling carts throughout Wake Forest. To some degree, the surge is the result of confusing guidelines which can lead to mistakes, apathy, and skepticism about recycling. While the national contamination rate is just under 20 percent, Wake Forest is joining a growing number of municipalities working to combat the problem through its new public education campaign.
#RecycleRightWF will provide Wake Forest households with direct mail pieces and social media messaging, as well as concentrated feedback efforts that address contamination. Messaging will consistently remind residents who recycle to “Stick with These 6” - plastic bottles, jugs, and jars; metal cans; paper; and cardboard, and “Never These 9” - plastic bags, food waste, cups, to-go containers, paper towels, tiny things, plastic packaging, Styrofoam and gloves/masks.
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The Town of Wake Forest is encouraging residents to stay informed about trash, recycling and yard waste collection by signing up for the “Waste Wizard.” The Waste Wizard is a free interactive tool that allows users to sign up for personalized trash and recycling collection reminders, download collection schedules and access online service request forms for bulk waste pickup, brush pickup and missed collections.
But that’s not all. The Waste Wizard also allows users to type in key words related to disposable household materials and receive valuable disposal tips. From aluminum cans and phone books to popcorn bags and plastic beverage bottles, the search tool helps residents determine which items can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away.
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Holding Park Aquatic Center (HPAC) will open for the 2021 season Saturday, May 29, at 9 a.m. Located at 133 W. Owen Ave., the HPAC features a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, two water slides with plunge pool and children’s pool with water play. Open during the summer months, the facility offers swimming to the public, as well as swim lessons.
Daily admission fees for Wake Forest residents are $1 for children ages 2 and under; $4 for children ages 3-13; and $5 for patrons ages 13-59; and $4 for ages 60 and over. Daily admission fees for non-Wake Forest residents are $2 for children ages 2 and under; $6 for children ages 3-13; and $7 for patrons ages 13-59; and $6 for ages 60 and over.
Due to COVID-19, the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will implement a series of safety procedures at HPAC similar to those introduced last year. For example, open swim times will be scheduled in three-hour blocks, with one hour in between to allow staff to clean and sanitize the facility, including deck chairs, door handles, hand rails and other high-touch areas.
In addition, a maximum of 160 patrons will be allowed inside the facility during each session. Patrons must register and pay for each session in advance online, and no walk-ins will be allowed.
Online registration begins Saturday, May 15. Patrons may register for a particular swim session up to 10 days but no less than two hours in advance. When a session is full, registration for that session is closed. Again, the window to register for a particular session closes two hours before the session begins. To register and pay in advance and view the full list of safety procedures, visit our website.
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The Wake Forest Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.
Wake Forest Bus Service, including the Wake Forest-Raleigh Express and the Wake Forest Loop, will resume its normal schedule Tuesday, June 1.
During the week of May 31, the trash and recycling collection schedule will operate one day later than normal and extend into Saturday. So, for example, Monday’s route will be collected Tuesday and Friday’s route will be collected Saturday.
Yard waste collection will resume Tuesday, June 1, at 7 a.m. Crews will follow the normal collection schedule beginning with Monday’s route. Collection of the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday routes will occur throughout the remainder of the week until all routes have been completed.
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The Wake Forest Police Department recently launched a video series that highlights the "human" side of law enforcement. Each Friday over the next several weeks, we'll share a new Ask A Cop video featuring members of the WFPD discussing topics ranging from "hobbies" and "traffic stops" to "outreach programs" and "longest day on the job."
Today's "Ask A Cop" episode invites officers to share their most difficult and most pleasant job-related memories.
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The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with GSK and the UNC Morehead Planetarium & Science Center to offer Science in the Summer for rising 2nd through 8th graders.
The free program will be offered at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., according to the following schedule:
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Level 1 – 2nd and 3rd graders; Monday-Friday, July 19-23; 9 a.m.-noon - THIS SESSION IS FULL
- Level 2 – 4th and 5th graders; Monday-Friday, July 19-23; 1-4 pm
- Level 3 – 6th-8th graders; Monday-Wednesday, Aug. 3-5; 9 a.m.-noon
There is no cost to participate, but due to limited seats in each session, registration is required. The online application is available on the Town website. Completed applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Monday, May 31, and may be emailed to Recreation Specialist Garrett Bryant or delivered/mailed to the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.
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Provided below are announcements about projects that will impact Wake Forest motorists over the next several weeks. Please use the information to help plan your route and move safely through the affected areas.
Through June 4
Through Friday, June 4, Fred Smith Company, a contractor working at the future Legacy at Heritage, will periodically reduce to one lane with alternating two-way traffic Heritage Lake Road from Friendship Chapel Road to Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The periodic lane closures are necessary to allow crews to tap the existing water main and install a storm drain.
Signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area and take an alternate route.
Week of May 24
During the week of May 24, drivers should expect delays along South Main Street/US 1A from Forbes Road to Ligon Mill Road daily from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Town crews will reduce sections of roadway to two lanes by shifting southbound traffic and removing the center turn lane. The traffic shift and lane reduction are necessary to allow crews to repair the sidewalk.
Signage and cones will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area if possible and take an alternate route.
Ongoing
Fred Smith Company, a private contractor working on the Forbes Planned Unit Development, will close Millers Mark Avenue at the intersection of Ligon Mill Road on Monday, Feb. 8. The closure is necessary to complete the widening of Ligon Mill Road and install the future median. The intersection is expected to remain closed until early April when traffic is shifted to a new traffic pattern. Until then, residents are advised to use Reynolds Mill Road or Forbes Road as an alternate route.
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The Town of Wake Forest's interactive Traffic Alerts Map gives residents a user-friendly and convenient way to view local road closures and restrictions. Accessible under “Common Resources” on the homepage of the Town website, the map allows visitors to point and click on current road and lane closures throughout Wake Forest.
When clicking on an individual project, the user will see a short summary of the exact location of the project, along with a schedule for its anticipated beginning and completion. In addition, the user will be provided with the name and contact information for the project manager should anyone have questions about a given initiative. The information is updated in real-time as the project moves forward.
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Kids Say the Cutest Things is back, and this time they're talking about the harmful effects of litter. Please join these kids and the Town of Wake Forest in the fight against litter by properly disposing of your trash and encouraging others to do the same!
In the words of one of these kids, "Be a good citizen," and #KeepWFClean.
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On Monday, Moody’s Investors Service joined Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings Services in assigning a triple A rating to the Town of Wake Forest’s $1.3 million General Obligation (GO) Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2021A and $4.9 million General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2021B. This marks the first time in its history that Wake Forest has received a triple A rating – the best possible – by all three national credit rating agencies.
“This is incredibly exciting news for Wake Forest,” said Chief Financial Officer Aileen Staples. “This (triple A rating from all three ratings agencies) has been something we have been working towards for a long time. Its achievement aligns with Goal 4 in our Strategic Plan – Fiscal Strength - which is a direct result of our strong financial policies, cautious and conservative fiscal planning and prudent budgetary monitoring. A triple A rating by all three agencies is a significant accomplishment which acknowledges our strong fiscal position and one of which we can all be proud.”
Moody’s upgraded the Town's general obligation bond rating to Aaa from Aa1, affecting approximately $18.2 million in publicly held outstanding debt, the Town also has $6.9 million in privately placed general obligation debt outstanding.
Wake Forest is now one of only 13 municipalities in North Carolina and one of 172 in the United States to attain the Aaa rating from Moody’s.
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Several important traffic pattern changes are in effect in the vicinity of the new Wegmans, specifically along the new Ligon Mill Road Extension and Forbes Grove Way. Check out the video to learn more or continue reading.
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Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the Town of Wake Forest relaxed a number of temporary sign enforcement activities over the past year in an effort to support Wake Forest businesses during the pandemic. Now that conditions are improving and North Carolina’s restrictions are being loosened, the Town will resume all temporary sign enforcement regulations effective July 1, 2021.
A key component in the effort to ensure signage does not become a public hazard, public nuisance, or traffic hazard, signage enforcement also serves to protect and enhance the overall appearance of Wake Forest. Information related to permitted sign types are outlined in Chapter 11 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Also during the pandemic, businesses may have introduced temporary creative solutions to increase their outdoor seating capacity, create customer pick-up zones, or implement other ways to address their needs. Beginning July 1, Planning staff will begin to contact these businesses and property owners to discuss transitioning away from these temporary measures.
Businesses or property owners wishing to make the changes permanent are urged to contact the Planning Department at 919-435-9510 to determine whether the modifications are possible and, if so, initiate the approval process. The process typically takes several weeks to complete, so anyone considering making temporary changes permanent is urged to begin the process now.
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May is Preservation Month, and the Historic Preservation Program (HPP) is offering several ways for residents to celebrate and learn more about Wake Forest history, including two free webinars, a scavenger hunt, virtual tours, and coloring pages of locally significant historic sites. Complete information about these opportunities is provided on the Town website.
Throughout May, residents are invited to participate in the Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt. Ten pictures of local Wake Forest historic features are highlighted. Everyone who takes pictures of themselves in front of all 10 historic features and uploads the photos through the online form will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card to Lumpy’s Ice Cream.
In addition, the HPP is partnering with the Wake Forest Historical Museum to offer the following free Zoom webinar:
“The Story Map of the Northeast Community in Wake Forest” on Tuesday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m., will offer an introduction and overview of this important preservation project and feature a discussion with Senior Planner (Historic Preservation) Michelle Michael, and University of Georgia MLA Candidate Chris Robey.
The public is invited to attend this Zoom webinar online or by phone. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is accepting team registrations for Church Co-Rec Adult Softball throughout May. Online registration will be available. The entry fee is $550 per team, and participants must be 18 or older.
Games will begin in mid-June and be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Anyone interested in participating who does not have a team can sign up as a free agent, then assigned to a team in need of players. To register as a free agent, visit the Free Agent page on our website and complete the online registration form.
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With a goal of $5,000, participants have already raised well over $3,000 with one week to go.
Participating officers and staff are encouraging community members to donate to Special Olympics and the nearly 40,000 registered athletes who train and compete year-round in 20 different sports. Each participant has a fundraising goal of at least $50, and several are growing a mustache to show their support.
For more information about “Mustache May,” to view participant photos, or to donate to a particular participant’s fundraising effort, visit our website.
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The Wake Forest Area Chamber Foundation is sponsoring a new initiative created specifically for area residents aged 55+. Connect Wake Forest is a four-week program designed to connect residents with like-minded peers, while they learn about the history and growth of Wake Forest, discover ways to get involved in the town, and become more civically aware. At the end of the program, participants will be given opportunities to volunteer with existing organizations and launch new community initiatives, including an intergenerational mentorship program. Connect Wake Forest is open to both residents and non-residents of Wake Forest. The program will run twice a year with 25 participants per cohort.
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The March-August 2021 issue of RecConnect, the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department's program brochure, is now available. Click on the image above to view the latest edition in digital format. RecConnect is also available in Adobe Acrobat Format (PDF).
Free printed copies of RecConnect are available at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., and Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St.
RecConnect includes information about all programs, classes, special events, sports programs and registrations offered by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. To learn more, call 919-435-9560 or visit us online.
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The Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., offers adults age 55 and older a full schedule of recreational activities. Programming at the center is provided by Resources for Seniors, Inc. The organization serves senior and disabled adults in Wake County by providing home and community-based services and information, thereby allowing them to maximize their choices for independence, comfort, safety, security and well-being.
Check out Jennie's Weekly Jots, the senior center's weekly newsletter, for information on current programming and initiatives.
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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-News, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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