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You're invited to participate in the incredible array of programs and classes offered by Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources! If there's a class or program you'd like us to provide that's not listed online or in RecConnect, please let us know! We're always interested in expanding our programming options!
Currently, our facilities offer open play sessions of Pickleball, Basketball, Volleyball, LEGO Club, and Preschool Play, as well as a fitness room at Joyner Park Community Center. Pre-registration for the fitness room opens each Sunday for the following week. Visit RecDesk to register for a time! Please note: You must have a RecCard membership to register.
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Spring & Summer RecConnect is now available
The March-August 2026 edition of RecConnect, the Wake Forest PRCR Department's spring and summer program guide, is now available.
Hard copies of the PRCR Program Guide will soon be 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.
RecConnect includes information about all cultural programs, classes, special events, sports programs, and registrations offered by the Wake Forest PRCR Department.
Registration for cultural programs is underway. Register 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. For more information, call the PRCR Department at 919-435-9560.
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Prenatal FIT4BABY
Your pregnancy journey deserves strength and support. Prenatal FIT4BABY? meets weekly for group workouts designed to prepare your body and mind for pregnancy, birth, and beyond surrounded by moms who get it. Prenatal FIT4BABY? is a prenatal program that includes weekly group workouts & community support for your pregnancy journey. The workouts will build your mental and physical endurance, strengthen your body, and prepare you for pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Join us and move through pregnancy with confidence
Th | Mar 5-26 | 6-7 pm
Fees: $85 | $68 (Resident Discount)
Busy Bees (Ages 2-3)
Small children take part in songs, games, and stories that intentionally practice vital life skills including self-regulation, social awareness, impulse control, and transitioning between high energy and clam focus, it’s a playful journey helping your busy bee learn when to fly and when to find their calm! During class, parents and caretakers learn about early brain development and behavior with practical strategies they can use at home.
Th | Mar 19- Apr 9 | 9-9:50 am
Fees: $25 | $20 (Resident Discount)
Wake Forest Community House
Superhero Training Academy (Ages 4-5)
Every great superhero needs more than just their special abilities - they need strong mental muscles: focus, impulse control, social awareness and self-regulation. Through games, obstacle courses and team challenges, your hero-in-training will build cognitive confidence needed to tackle kindergarten and save the day! During class, parents and caretakers learn about early brin development and behavior with practical strategies they can use at home.
Th | Mar 19- Apr 9 | 10-10:50 am
Fees: $25 | $20 (Resident Discount)
Wake Forest Community House
| | Upcoming Programs & Classes | | |
We offer something for EVERYONE! Click on the icons below to view a complete listing of offerings in each category. | | |
By Randy Hoyle, PRCR Maintenance Manager
Welcome to this month’s installment of Maintenance Matters.
In this edition, we'll explore the basics of spring bulb care, including watering, fertilizing, and removal of spent flowers. By covering the basics, we can help you produce the best spring blooms in your neighborhood.
When it comes to watering, the number one thing to remember is not to overwater. Overwatering promotes root rot which leads to plant disease and ultimately death.
You should water your bulbs immediately after planting to settle the soil. Also, make sure there are no air pockets, and the soil is firm around the bulb. After the first leaves start to appear, continue to water once a week until the flowers are spent.
Next, consider fertilizing. Bulbs should be fertilized in the spring when roots start to grow and leaf tissue starts to emerge.
I recommend a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or a bulb fertilizer such as 15-30-15 - both of which can be found at your local hardware store. Follow the recommendation on the bag or as a rule of thumb two-to-five pounds on nitrogen per 100 square feet.
I'd suggest you repeat this in the fall to give them a boost just before they go dormant.
Next to watering, the most important thing to remember is to remove the spent flowers. This will help provide nutrients to the bulb and prevent the plant from spending unnecessary energy attempting to sustain a dying flower.
For tulips and daffodils, use a sharp set of garden pruners to remove the flowers once they have faded and started losing petals. Remember not to cut down the entire plant. Instead, be sure to leave the leaf material so the bulb can continue to provide nutrients to the heart of the plant. This can be cut after it starts to wither and decay on its own.
For more information check out the NC Cooperative Extension.
I hope this helps your gardening endeavors. Best wishes and happy gardening Wake Forest.
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Wake Forest seeks soloist to perform “National Anthem” during July 3 Fireworks Spectacular
The Town of Wake Forest is inviting soloists ages 16 and older to apply to perform the National Anthem during the 2026 Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, July 3. The event will take place inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road.
Featuring a headliner band, food trucks, an incredible fireworks show, and more, the annual Fireworks Spectacular draws well over 15,000 attendees each year. The selected singer will perform the National Anthem acapella (without instrumental accompaniment) on-stage during the intermission portion of this year’s program.
Soloists ages 16 and older of all genres who are comfortable performing before a large audience are encouraged to apply by completing the online application and uploading a recent video performance. The application deadline is Friday, March 20. Late entries will not be considered.
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Taylor Street Park Playground closed through late spring
The Taylor Street Park Playground, 416 N. Taylor St., is closed for renovations through late spring.
Over the next few days, crews remove the existing playground features and prepare for the construction of the new and improved playground by assembling equipment and supplies onsite. Construction is expected to begin in early spring.
Upon completion, the new playground will feature:
- Ramped playground structures that offer ease of access for people of all mobility ranges
- Climbers, ladders, sensory experiences, play panels rocker, swings, slides, and balance challenges
- Seating and shaded areas
The cost of the initiative is $700,000.
Signage and barricades will be posted to inform community members of the closure. For more information, email Parks & Recreation Maintenance Manager Randy Hoyle.
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Wake County approves $4.6 million in hospitality tax funds for Wake Forest
The Wake County Board of Commissioners (WCBOC) has approved $4.6 million in Hospitality Tax funding for two Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) projects that will expand Wake Forest parks facilities. On February 16, the WCBOC approved $3,891,000 for construction of the Skate Park and Pump Track and $750,000 for Flaherty Park Phase 2.
The two PRCR initiatives are among 12 projects across nine municipalities totaling $23.5 million the WCBOC approved as part of the fiscal year 2026 Hospitality Tax Competitive Project Process. A joint initiative between Wake County and the City of Raleigh, the program is designed to invest in capital projects that drive overnight visitation, tourism-related spending, and long-term economic impact. The Raleigh City Council also voted to approve their portion of the funding on February 17.
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Comic Book & Toy Expo returns to Flaherty Park Community Center March 21
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is partnering with Play4Life Comics & Used Books to host a Comic Book & Toy Expo Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St.
Free and open to everyone, the expo will feature dedicated vendors of your favorite pop culture nostalgia selling vintage comics, Pokémon cards, rare action figures, and more. Whether you're a collector, an aficionado, or just out on a family stroll you will not want to miss this amazing show!
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SPIRIT of Inclusion Expo on March 21 to feature resources available to individuals with disabilities
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host the 2026 SPIRIT of Inclusion Expo on Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
Free and open to everyone, the SPIRIT of Inclusion Expo is designed to connect individuals with disabilities and their families with valuable resources and services. Featuring a diverse range of vendors, organizations, and experts dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, the event will provide information, support, and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for attendees.
Vendors, organizations, and experts scheduled to participate include (but are not limited to) A Voice for All, Able Transition Consulting, Inner Circle Autism Network, NC Adapted Sports, Journey League, Special Olympics of NC, Gigi's Playhouse, Miracle League of Franklin County, NC Spinal Cord Injury Association, Triangle Special Hockey Association, plus many more.
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New rules for motorized scooters, electric bicycles & electric assisted bicycles
In January 2026 the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners updated regulations governing motorized scooters, electric bikes, and electric assisted bikes in an effort to prioritize safety and clarify where different devices may operate.
Under the updated regulations, motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and other motorized recreational devices are banned from sidewalks, which are designated primarily for pedestrian use.
These devices are allowed on Town greenways and in parks but limited to 10 mph. In addition, walkers and runners have the right-of-way.
The ordinance also requires operators under age 16 to wear properly fitted bicycle helmets when riding on public streets, sidewalks, parks or other Town property.
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Highlights of the amended ordinance:
- Motorized scooters must have a maximum speed of no greater than 15 mph.
- Electric bicycles and electric assisted bicycles powered by motor only must have a maximum speed of no greater than 20 mph.
- A motorized scooter or an electric bicycle may not operate on any road with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.
- No motorized scooter, electric bicycle, or electric assisted bicycle shall exceed a speed of 10 miles per hour while being operated on a greenway, in a park, or on a multi-use path.
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Large Dog Park closed for maintenance
The large dog park is temporarily closed for maintenance.
It will remain closed for approximately one month, so crews can erect permanent fencing, install a drainage system, remove three dead trees, and make soil erosion repairs.
During the closure, the PRCR Department will implement a temporary usage schedule that will allow small dogs and large dogs to rotate daily usage of the small dog park.
For more information, email PRCR Maintenance Manager Randy Hoyle.
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Spring & Summer RecConnect is now available
The March-August 2026 edition of RecConnect, the Wake Forest PRCR Department's spring and summer program guide, is now available.
Hard copies of the PRCR Program Guide will soon be 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.
RecConnect includes information about all cultural programs, classes, special events, sports programs, and registrations offered by the Wake Forest PRCR Department.
Program registration begins Sunday, Feb. 1, for Wake Forest residents and Wednesday, Feb. 4, for non-Wake Forest residents. Register 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. For more information, call the PRCR Department at 919-435-9560.
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Wake Forest residents and non-residents ages 11 and older must have a Recreation Card (Rec Card) to access amenities offered at PRCR facilities, including JPCC. Rec Cards are free for Wake Forest residents.
The following fees apply for people who live outside the Wake Forest town limits and do not pay Wake Forest property taxes: Individual, $25; Family, $50. Any non-residents who prefer not to purchase a Rec Card, must pay a $5 Non-Rec Card Holder fee to utilize the amenities. An online profile must be created, and the fee paid to register for selected activity time slots.
To obtain a Rec Card, first create an online profile. Then, visit the JPCC to have your picture taken and present proof of residency. Acceptable forms of proof include a valid picture ID with your current address, a current utility bill with your street address, or other document that includes your full name and address. For more information about Rec Cards, call 919-435-9560.
| | Facility Operating Schedules | | |
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
- Monday-Friday (6 a.m.-9 p.m.)
- Saturday (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Sunday (1-5 p.m. March-August/Closed September-February)
Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St.
- Monday-Friday (8 a.m.-9 p.m.)
- Saturday (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Sunday (1-5 p.m. March-August/Closed September-February)
Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St.
- Monday-Friday (Noon-8 p.m.)
- Saturday (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Sunday (1-5 p.m. March-August/Closed September-February)
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Download the Town of Wake Forest App
Android and iPhone users can have a handy pocket guide to all things related to Wake Forest by downloading the Town of Wake Forest app. Designed to provide smartphone users with useful information about Wake Forest, the app offers instant access to downtown Wake Forest, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, upcoming popular events, plus so much more! The app also provides contact information for every Town department, allows you to report non-emergency issues through SeeClickFix and delivers breaking news.
IPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android users can download the Town’s free app by searching for “Town of Wake Forest” on iTunes, in the iPhone app store, or in Google Play - or be scanning the appropriate QR code below.
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You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to E-Notifier, the Town of Wake Forest’s email subscription service. E-Notifier keeps you up-to-date on Town of Wake Forest news, information, and special events. If you believe you have been subscribed in error, or would like to cancel your subscription, you may unsubscribe below.
If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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