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Here's What's Coming Up!
January has brought chilly weather, but behind the scenes our team has been busy preparing for an exciting season ahead!
We’d like to remind everyone that registration for specialized recreation programs opens Sunday, Feb. 1. These programs do not have a resident or non-resident wait period. If you plan to register for programs outside of specialized recreation, please note that resident registration opens February 1, with non-resident registration opening Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Our team has been hard at work planning several upcoming events, including Spirit of Connection, the Spirit of Inclusion Expo, and the Egg-ceptional Zone at Easter Eggstravaganza. With so many fun and meaningful opportunities on the horizon this spring, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
The Spirit of Inclusion Expo will feature an incredible lineup of vendors and community partners, including A Special Needs Plan, GiGi’s Playhouse, North Carolina Adapted Sports, We Will Walk With You, and many more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops designed to share valuable information, resources, and support. Our hope is that everyone leaves feeling informed, empowered, and connected.
The Egg-ceptional Zone will return during Easter Eggstravaganza, with a few exciting updates this year! The event will kick off earlier than in previous years, with a new start time of 9:30 a.m. Participants can look forward to plenty of eggs and some fantastic prizes.
Here’s hoping the groundhog predicts an early spring because we’re counting down the days until these wonderful events and hope to see you there!
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Spirit of Connection
Friday, Feb. 6 | 6-7 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
Spirit of Connection is a social event designed to help you meet new people in a fun, relaxed, and inclusive environment. Similar to speed dating it is speed connecting. This experience focuses on meaningful conversations and genuine connections! Whether you’re hoping to make friends, explore romantic possibilities, or simply enjoy meeting new people. Participants will rotate through short, guided conversations using thoughtful prompts to keep things engaging and comfortable. After the event, you’ll have the option to indicate who you’d like to connect with again, and we’ll only share matches when interest is mutual.
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Spirit of Inclusion Expo
Saturday, March 21 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
Free and open to everyone, our Spirit of Inclusion Expo is a one-day event dedicated to connecting individuals with disabilities and their families with valuable resources and services.
Our expo aims to provide information, support, and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for attendees. This event will feature a diverse range of vendors, organizations, and experts dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.
We hope to see you there!
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You're invited to to join our SPIRIT Wake Forest Facebook group!
Current and future SPIRIT program participants and their family members are invited to join our “SPIRIT Wake Forest” group on Facebook!
Within this group, we share useful information on upcoming SPIRIT Wake Forest programs, services, and special events.
Our group also serves as a forum for members to support one another, ask questions, and share insights on how we can best serve you as a member of the SPIRIT Wake Forest community.
To join, simply click on the button below!
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Boccia Bash: Aim, Play, Score!
Friday, Feb. 20 | 3-4 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
Boccia (pronounced bot-cha) is a precision ball sport, similar to bocce. Designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals with all abilities, including those with physical disabilities.
This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of the game, focusing on coordination, teamwork, and friendly competition.
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Rooted & Recreated: Therapeutic Gardening
Tuesdays| March 3-24 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
A transformative four-week therapeutic workshop that explores the calming, restorative power of gardening.
This hands-on experience invites participants to reconnect with nature, themselves, and others through meaningful horticulture-based activities.
Each session is crafted to support emotional wellbeing and foster social connection of people of all abilities. Participants will get their hands in the soil, design and care for their own therapeutic planter, and explore mindfulness through the rich sensory experience of gardening—touch, scent, sound, and creativity all play a role.
No green thumb required—just a willingness to grow.
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ASPIRE Respite Day Program
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9 a.m.-noon
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Designed for people ages 18 and older, Aspire is our adult day program for individuals with disabilities in the Wake Forest community.
At Aspire, we come together as a supportive and inclusive community to help each individual achieve their personal goals in life. Our program embraces a holistic approach, focusing on a wide range of objectives, whether they be recreational, communication, or essential life skills.
Under the guidance of our instructors, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the program, they’ll have the opportunity to explore new interests, try out exciting activities, and discover fresh passions that will bring them closer to their goals.
Join us in this enriching experience, where we nurture dreams, build skills, and foster a sense of belonging.
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Boundless Buddies
Monday, Feb. 9 | 4-5:30 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Join us at Boundless Buddies, as we get together to decorate a paper gingerbread house.
Come hangout and make new friends during what promises to be a fun evening.
Please be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting marker on.
If you haven’t already be sure to register for this event!
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Caregiver Kindred
Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
In what promises to be a heartfelt and personal message, Katie Haynes will share her journey as an advocate for the chronic illness and disability communities.
She will reflect on how her own experiences inspired the creation and growth of Smiling While Sending Hope from care packages and equipment support to community programs and national advocacy.
Katie’s message will highlight resilience, inclusion, and the power of turning challenges into purpose, offering an inspiring look at what advocacy truly means
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Journey League Basketball
Fridays | Jan. 9-Feb. 20 | 6:30-8 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Journey League is a safe, inclusive basketball program for teens and young adults with special needs, built on acceptance, teamwork, skill development, and fun.
Join us as we celebrate diversity and sportsmanship Fridays in the JPCC gym.
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Smiling While Sending Hope Ability Club
Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 6-7:30 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Smiling While Sending Hope Ability Club is where youth will have the opportunity to explore and engage with STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and creative problem-solving.
The program is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage innovation in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Join Smiling While Sending Hope Instructor Katie Haynes for a wonderfully fun evening!
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Smiling While Sending Hope Karaoke Night
Friday, Feb. 20 | 5-7 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Get ready to take the stage and unleash your inner superstar at our Karaoke Night!
Whether you love classic hits, pop anthems, country favorites, or show tunes, we’ll have a song for you.
Come sing solo, grab a duet partner, or just cheer on your friends for a night full of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
No experience needed - just bring your enthusiasm and your best dance moves!
Light refreshments will be provided. All ages and talent levels are welcome!
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Calendar of Events
Click on the calendar to view a larger version of our February 2026 calendar of events.
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Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week is February 7-14
Congenital Heart Defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 babies born. CHD Awareness Week is annually observed. During this time, we shine a light on this condition, celebrate the strength of those living with them and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and ongoing care. Raising awareness helps to ensure that these individuals receive the support and resources they need to thrive- American Heart Association.
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International Epilepsy Day is February 9
This day aims to increase the understanding of epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting over 50 million people worldwide. This day stands for Awareness, Education, global Participation, and advocacy for change. It is a day to challenge stigma, highlight lived experiences, and advocate for better support, treatment, and inclusion.
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What is SPIRIT Wake Forest?
SPIRIT Wake Forest is our way of identifying the initiatives, activities and events offered by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department's Specialized Programs & Inclusion. It stands for Specialized Programs and Inclusion Resources for Individuals Throughout Wake Forest.
Our staff has a wide variety of experience working with people of all physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
We offer fun, adaptive, and inclusive recreation opportunities in our community including adaptive sports, social and fitness programs, and after school activities - with more on the way.
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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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