The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will offer a free outdoor fitness series five nights a week in May at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Free and open to residents of all ages, May Month of Fitness will consist of the following weekly classes:
- Mondays – Women’s Self Defense
- Tuesdays – Camp Gladiator
- Wednesdays – Yoga
- Thursdays – Zumba
- Fridays – Beginner Line Dancing
All classes are free and require no registration. Each will be offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park Amphitheater.
Participants will receive a giveaway each night while supplies last. In addition, participants can scan the onsite QR code, complete the prize registration form, and be entered into the May Month of Fitness prize drawings sponsored by Orthopedic Physical Therapy Associates and Thomas Walters Allstate. The more classes you attend, the more times you can register, and the greater your chances to win.
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The PRCR Department is expanding its May Month of Fitness to include the annual 50-Mile Walking Challenge.
Residents (ages 11 and older) who accept the walking challenge commit to walk at least 50 miles in May and use a tracking card to record their progress. Walking locations may include neighborhoods, schools, churches, parks, and greenways - just to name a few.
There is no cost to participate, and online registration is open through Thursday, April 27 (search “Walking Challenge). Tracking cards will be emailed to all registered participants and available for pickup at Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road.
Registered participants are invited to pick up their 2023 50-Mile Walking Challenge T-shirt at JPCC while supplies last.
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Free and open to the public, the sprayground will operate according to the following schedule through Friday, June 9:
- Sundays, 1-8 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m.
- Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Please Note: The sprayground will be open Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The facility will offer extended hours beginning Saturday, June 10. To view the 2023 operating schedule, visit our website.
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The PRCR Department will host an online esports gaming tournament featuring "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" Saturday, May 13. Open to players ages 10 and older, the online tournament is free to play and will be live streamed on Twitch.tv. Registration is open through Wednesday, May 10.
Participants will compete in a one-on-one, single-day, double-elimination tournament to be run in conjunction with "Bull City Gaming." Matches will be best of three the championship match being best of five.
In the event more than 32 people register, the tournament will expand to two days with the qualifying rounds taking place on May 13 and the top eight participants battling it out in the finals on Sunday, May 14.
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During the week of April 24, Town crews will close portions of North Main Street/US 1A from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. according to the following schedule:
Monday, April 24 – northbound North Main from North Avenue to East Cedar Avenue
Tuesday, April 25 – southbound North Main from East Cedar Avenue to North Avenue
Thursday-Friday, April 27-28 – North Main from Chestnut Avenue to Harris Road
The temporary closures are necessary to allow tree crews to safely prune street trees to ensure adequate street, sidewalk, and driveway clearance. The closures will also allow crews to trim tree limbs and branches around overhead power lines.
Signs, cones, and flaggers will be in place directing traffic around the designated work areas. Delays are expected, so motorists are encouraged to avoid these areas if possible and use another route. For more information, email Urban Forestry Coordinator Luke Devores.
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Plates are $10 each and will include generous portions of fried flounder, boiled potatoes, coleslaw, and hush puppies. No preorders will be accepted this year, but both eat in and drive thru take-out options will be available.
A special part of this year's Fish Fry will be a food drive to benefit the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry. Throughout the day, the WFFD will collect non-perishable food items to help feed hungry people in our community.
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The Technology Advisory Board (TAB) is inviting area elementary, middle, and high school students and their families to the 2023 Wake Forest STEM Saturday on Saturday, April 29. Presented by the Wireless Research Center, this free family networking event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, STEM Saturday will expose students in grades K-12 to a variety of STEM career options, while featuring STEM-related exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities.
STEM Saturday will also include several interactive booths where representatives from a variety of local businesses, schools, and organizations will engage with parents and students, share professional insights and experiences, and offer interesting demonstrations.
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May is Building, Electrical, and Deck Safety Month, and the Wake Forest Inspections Department is launching the observance with a “Building, Electrical & Deck Safety Month Kick-Off” Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Town & Country Hardware, 910 Gateway Commons Circle.
Free and open to the public, the event will include free hot dogs - while they last. Inspections staff will also be on hand throughout the occasion to answer questions about building, electrical, and deck safety, along with the building permit process.
Area residents are invited to come out and learn about the services the department offers, including Online Plan Review. Attendees can also talk one-on-one with Town inspectors about building safety, codes, and inspections as they pertain to common residential projects, such as decks, kitchen and bath remodels, and screened porches.
The Inspections Department will also help raise awareness of building, electrical and deck safety by manning a booth during Meet in the Street on Saturday, May 6.
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Wake Forest’s popular Six Sundays in Spring concert series returns to E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, on consecutive Sundays from April 30 through June 4. Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest, the performances get underway Sunday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. with local Beatles tribute band, “Revolution.”
Featuring free, live, outdoor entertainment, Six Sundays in Spring offers residents an opportunity to enjoy a variety of local and regional performers and an enriching cultural experience. The concerts will be offered rain or shine from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park Amphitheater.
In addition to Revolution, other acts scheduled to perform this year include Big Bang Boom on May 7, Miss Mini and the Sandman Band on May 14, Conjunto Breve on May 21, The Magnificents on May 28, and Sensory Expressions on June 4.
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The entry fee is $45 per player, plus $10 for each additional event. Complete tournament details, including registration information, are available on the Town website. The registration deadline is Monday, May 1. No registrations will be accepted on the day of the tournament.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, email Sandy Brasseale.
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The Flaherty Park Pickleball Courts, 1226 N. White St., will be closed for the final phase of renovations Monday-Wednesday, April 24-26. Weather permitting, the courts will reopen at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26.
During this final round of renovations, crews will install a shade structure and perform landscaping. Previous phases included grading and concrete work to help ensure a smooth surface and positive water drainage, and the installation of new bleachers, fencing, paddle rack, and memorial bench.
Signage will be posted prominently throughout the area to inform the public of the temporary closure. For more information, email Parks & Recreation Maintenance Manager Randy Hoyle.
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Happy Dan the Magic Man will perform his one-of-a-kind magic and comedy show at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Everyone laughs louder when Happy Dan the Magic Man is in the house. Happy Dan has traveled the world entertaining families for more than 30 years. His hilarious family shows are regular features at Southeastern festivals, comedy clubs, banquets, trade shows, schools, and family living rooms. He is more than an entertainer. He's that slightly silly, can't-wait-to-see-him, loving uncle that every child loves.
Happy Dan's zany character recalls the fun of live television hosts from years gone by. He blends the gentleness and homespun comfort of Mister Rogers with the silly antics and storytelling of Captain Kangaroo. His talents stretch to thoroughly holding the attention of children as young as three years to golden age adults. Wherever laughter and a caring heart is needed, Happy Dan delivers!
Families and children of all ages are invited to attend what promises to be a highly animated performance. Be sure to get there early because seating is limited to the first 200 guests.
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The remaining 2023 concerts will feature Love Tribe on June 9, The Brickhouse Band on July 14, Stone Age Romeos on August 11, and Crush on September 8.
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The Town of Wake Forest and several local veterans’ organizations will continue their monthly flag-raising ceremonies in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza on Monday, May 1, at 11 a.m.
The 46th Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor Delmas Hudson, who served his nation in the US Army.
Members of Hudson's family have been invited to participate in the ceremony, which will include patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying and the ceremonial flag-raising. After raising the American flag, the Wake Forest Fire Department Honor Guard will raise the U.S. Army service flag in recognition of the military branch in which Hudson served. Both flags will fly in Centennial Plaza throughout May.
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A lot of people don’t know that Wake Forest offers free bus service throughout our community Monday-Saturday. If you’re not familiar with the Wake Forest Loop (WFL), here are the top three reasons you should give it a try:
- It’s free
- It serves Wake Forest and part of Wakefield every day but Sunday
- It offers major stops in downtown Wake Forest, the Northern Regional Center, Heritage, Wakefield Commons, and Wake Forest Crossing.
Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? For more information about Wake Forest Bus Service, visit our website.
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Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) Victim Advocate Carly Simonton is hosting a weekly podcast on Next Door Radio Fridays at 10:15 a.m.
Victims Vibe – Tales of Trials & Triumphs will explore the domestic violence, sexual assault, and other family-related issues Simonton encounters daily in support of victims and witnesses in her role as Victim Advocate. Her podcast is intended to give the community greater insight into the issues and challenges facing victims and witnesses of crime, as well as the resources available to them.
Simonton plans to interview a different guest during each week’s 30-minute podcast, including experts in public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice issues. She also plans to devote one episode each month to answering questions submitted by area residents. Questions and topics for future episodes may be submitted online.
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The Recreation Advisory Board will host a family-friendly 5K/3K walk/run as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 3, at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Check-in on the day of the event starts at 7 a.m., and the races begin at 8 a.m.
The National Trails Day 5K/3K is a timed walk/run for children and adults. A loop of the paved trails throughout Joyner Park will comprise the 3.1-mile course for the 5K and 1.8 mile course for the 3K. Strollers are welcome but will be placed at the back of the pack to allow runners a clear start.
The entry fee for the 5K is $30 from April 1-May 14; $35 from May 15-June 1; and $40 the day before and day of the race. The entry fee for the 3K is $25 April 1-May 14; $30 May 15-June 1; and $35 the day before and day of the race. Please note: Registrations will be accepted on the day of the event. Everyone who registers before May 15 will receive a race T-shirt.
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From May 15-28, the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host a Bass Fishing Tournament for ages 13 and older and a Youth Fishing Tournament for ages 12 and under (non-competitive). Over this two-week period, local anglers can visit any public fishery in Wake or Franklin County to try and catch the biggest fish. Participants in the Youth Fishing Tournament may catch any species of fish, while anglers in the Bass Fishing Tournament will be limited to bass only.
Online registration for both tournaments is available through Thursday, April 27, (search “fishing”). The cost to participate is $10 for the bass tournament and $5 for the youth tourney.
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The Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC) is commemorating the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre’s 10-year anniversary by issuing a Call for Artists for a permanent public art installation inside the Renaissance Centre lobby.
The theme of the piece is open to the artist’s discretion, but artists are encouraged to use the Renaissance Centre's 10-year anniversary logo as inspiration and incorporate the 10-year anniversary color palette. The piece must be free-standing or displayed on an independent stand. In addition, all standing/sculptural art must either have its own sturdy pedestal, provided by the selected artist, or be able to be safely displayed directly and free-standing on the floor in a public space.
To be eligible, artists must reside in in one of the following counties: Granville, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Harnett, Chatham, Durham, or Wake.
As part of this initiative, qualified applicants are invited to submit five to 10 images of either the artwork being submitted or examples of other work that demonstrate the skill and media of the artist. There is no entry fee.
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Car break-ins happen all year long but tend to increase as the weather warms up. As a result, the Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is commemorating the start of spring and the return of warmer weather by encouraging residents to practice the 9 PM Routine.
Originating in Pasco County, Florida, in 2017, the 9 PM Routine is a national campaign that encourages residents to create a nighttime routine consisting of basic safety measures, including locking your doors, closing your garage, making sure no items are left visible in your car, and turning on your porch lights.
The WFPD is utilizing its Facebook page and other social media platforms to remind residents to follow the 9 PM Routine and make themselves tougher targets for criminals.
For example, most cars that are broken into are unlocked. Criminals walk through neighborhoods, trying vehicle door handles, hoping to find an unlocked vehicle. The best way to prevent vehicle burglaries is by removing all your valuables, locking your vehicle’s doors upon exiting, and taking the keys to the vehicle inside your residence.
“Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity,” said Police Chief Jeff Leonard. “These things we emphasize as part of the 9 PM Routine may seem like common sense, but most people have a lot going on, so they sometimes forget. By making it a part of your normal routine, you can reduce your chance of becoming a victim.”
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The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department and Page 158 Books are partnering to offer a free program that encourages families to read while enjoying the greenways at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. StoryWalk in the Park is an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors at the same time. It’s also an effective way for young readers to practice active reading skills.
Now through April, pages from the children’s picture book, “Sometimes It’s Hard to Be Nice,” by Maggie C. Rudd, will be displayed on posts along the Joyner Park trails. As you stroll along the path, you will be directed to the next page in the story.
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is hosting an art exhibit featuring works by students from Forest Pines Drive Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Richland Creek Elementary, Sanford Creek Elementary, Wake Forest iSTEM Magnet Elementary, Wakefield High School, Wake Forest High School, and North Wake College and Career Academy.
The Renaissance Centre will honor these talented student artists and display their works during a special reception on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m.-noon in the Renaissance Centre Arts Annex, 407 S. Brooks. St. The reception is free and open to the public.
Anyone who is unable to attend the reception, but would like to view the art exhibit, is invited to schedule an appointment by emailing Debra Horton.
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The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is accepting online youth volleyball applications for girls ages 9-16 through Sunday, April 30.
A participant’s eligibility is determined by her age on Sept. 1, 2023. A birth certificate is required for new participants. Age divisions include 9-10, 11-12 and 13-16.
The fee is $60 for Wake Forest residents and $100 for non-Wake Forest residents.
Team placement, skills training and practices will begin in mid-May. From early June through mid-July teams will likely play two games per week, Monday through Saturday, at the Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St., and local school gymnasiums.
Volunteer coaches are needed. For more information, email Athletics Specialist KP Kilpatrick.
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The Public Art Commission is inviting residents to help shape the future of public art in Wake Forest by completing a brief online survey. From now through Friday, April 28, residents can complete the survey by visiting Engage Wake Forest and clicking on “Wake Forest Public Art.”
Designed to gauge community interest in public art, assess preferred types of art, and more, the questionnaire takes less than five minutes to complete.
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The Town of Wake Forest will host UDO Comprehensive Update Open House sessions on Thursday, May 25, at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Each two-hour drop-in session will give residents, business owners, and stakeholders the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on new and revised zoning districts, including zoning district descriptions, lot dimensions, building setbacks and height, and allowable uses.
Both sessions will have an informal, open house-style format, along with the same content, so residents may drop in anytime from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. to view displays, ask questions and share comments. No formal presentation will be given. Each session will engage participants in discussions regarding key issues and priorities for the Board of Commissioners to consider as part of the updated UDO.
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre opened in November 2013 by encouraging visitors to “Imagine the Possibilities.” Later this year, the Renaissance Centre (RC) will commemorate its 10-year anniversary with a series of concerts, performances, and special events designed to highlight its impact as “the place” our community gathers to celebrate and enjoy the arts.
The RC’s Realizing the Possibilities Celebration Series gets underway with The Malpass Brothers concert on July 22 and continues with two Murder Mystery Dinners on August 12, the Celebration of the Arts on October 7, Marcus Anderson in concert on November 18, and four performances of the Celtic Angels December 15-17.
The series then extends into 2024 with a stage show in January, Black History Month performances in February, the Wake Forest Film Festival in March, and a concert featuring The Drifters in April. Additional information about these special events will be provided in the coming days.
In the meantime, everyone who has ever attended an event or participated in an activity at the RC is invited to help celebrate its 10-year anniversary and commemorate its impact on our community by visiting the RC website and using the online form to share favorite memories and photos from their RC experience(s).
Photos and comments will be compiled and shared on the RC website and social media. Everyone who submits at least one photo and recounts a favorite experience will be eligible to win tickets to events in the “Realizing the Possibilities” Celebration Series.
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WFTV 10 is the Town of Wake Forest's government access channel serving the residents of Wake Forest. Produced by the Town's Communications Department, WFTV 10 is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. For those who don't subscribe to Spectrum Cable, WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video and as a function of the Town App.
WFTV 10 Schedule
Board of Commissioners work sessions are broadcast live on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Regular meetings are broadcast live on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., then re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Planning Board meetings are broadcast live on the second Tuesday of each month, then re-broadcast daily the following week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
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Hard copies of the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Program Guide are available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road; Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St.; and Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC), 416 N. Taylor St.
Check out RecConnect for complete details on recreational programs, events, and activities for all age groups, including preschool, youth, and adult, scheduled from March through August 2023.
Program registration is underway online and in-person at JPCC, FPCC, and AMC during normal business hours. Online registration closes two business days before the start of a program.
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The Wake Forest Farmers Market is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our community about the value of local farms and the importance of local food systems.
During the winter, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon along South Taylor Street behind the Wake Forest Town Hall.
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Transportation Planning 101
The Town of Wake Forest Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) addresses regional traffic issues from the surrounding areas as well as alternative transportation methods, such as buses, greenways, and trains.
Check out the video above on our Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) to learn more about how transportation projects are selected and funded. For more information, visit our Transportation Planning web page.
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The following monthly meeting schedule is now in effect:
Board of Commissioners Work Session
First Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting
Second Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Third Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
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The UDO combines into a single document the Town's zoning, subdivision, land use, grading, storm water management, and historic preservation regulations. It outlines the requirements for all development activity.
The UDO was first adopted in 2013, along with the Manual of Specifications, Standards and Design (MSSD). With the update and adoption of several comprehensive plans, including the 2022 Community Plan and 2021 Northeast Community Plan, as well as several other comprehensive plans that are underway, the UDO and MSSD must be updated to implement the policies and recommendations of the plans.
In addition to reflecting the goals and actions of the comprehensive plans, the UDO needs to maintain compliance with state, federal and case law, which are constantly evolving. Finally, the update will exam best practices and trending topics.
The update process will involve multiple steps and take approximately two years. The updated UDO and MSSD will set the development rules for Wake Forest.
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In 2021 the Town of Wake Forest launched a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors.
#RecycleRightWF introduced and emphasized 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.
Thanks to the cooperation and efforts of our residents, we have recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the past year. Great job!
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Despite our best efforts, there are still some who complain about not knowing what is happening in our community. That's why we thought it might be useful for Talbot the Town Crier to again offer his "olde school" overview of all the ways you can stay informed.
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The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals, families, churches and civic clubs to join the “Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean” campaign by picking up trash in their neighborhoods and along local streets and roadways. The initiative allows volunteers to pick up litter on a one-time or ongoing basis. Participants may also choose the area they wish to clean or request direction to high need areas around town.
To aid the effort, volunteers may reserve litter kits at no charge by completing the online reservation form. Each litter kit includes reflective vests, gloves, buckets, grabbers, trash bags, data collection sheets, hand sanitizer and litter education materials. A special thanks to B&W Hardware for donating the litter kits.
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Loose trash in trucks creates litter along Wake Forest roadways.
Help keep Wake Forest roadways clean by securing any trash in your truck bed. When you throw trash in the back of your truck, it inevitably blows out and becomes litter on the roadside. In fact, half of all litter is blown, not thrown! Roadside litter costs millions of dollars to remove, decreases property values and has a negative impact on tourism.
The NC Department of Public Safety reports that an even bigger problem is unsecured loads in the back of trucks. At high speeds, even large items can fly out and hurt or startle other drivers causing accidents. Put trash into built-in containers. Use tarps, cargo nets and tie-downs to secure any loads. #KeepWFclean
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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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