As Wake Forest continues to grow, welcoming more residents, businesses, attractions and amenities, parks have remained a priority. Following the completion of extensive renovations to Holding Park in 2023-24, the Town will soon offer another outdoor recreational option in an ideal location.
Currently in the planning and design phase, the Wake Forest Skate Park and Pump Track will be located next to Joyner Park. Construction is scheduled to start later this year, with completion expected by November 2027.
A pump track, for those not “in the know”, is a continuous loop of rollers (bumps) and berms (banked turns) designed for wheeled sports. Riders generate momentum through up-and-down body movements (pumping) instead of pedaling, making it accessible for bikes, skateboards, and scooters.
Over the past two years, community members have helped shape the vision for the skate park through surveys and a series of public meetings. According to Parks and Recreation Director Ruben Wall, the key themes, needs, and priorities that emerged from community feedback included a desire for the park to accommodate all skill levels, provide access to restrooms, include lighting for evening/nighttime activities, and feature paved trails throughout the park.
In addition to the skate park and pump track, other features being considered as part of the overall project plan include basketball courts, a fitness court, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and parking.
After a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued in February, the Town received four proposals and selected Canadian-based company New Line Skateparks. "After much consideration, the team ranked New Line Skateparks as the most qualified company to manage the design and construction of this project," Wall said.
This project supports Wake Forest’s broader goals related to recreation, wellness, and quality of life.
"As the Town continues to grow and become more diverse, the demands of the community grow and change as well," Wall said. "With the closure of the skate park at The Factory a while back, citizens were forced to go outside of Wake Forest to enjoy this activity. The new park will fill that need and bring those users back."
Investments like this contribute to community vitality and also support local businesses. Because the skate park is being designed as a competition- and tournament-style facility, plans include spectator seating, hook-ups for food trucks, and additional parking to accommodate larger events. The skate park will also complement the nearby Joyner park, neighborhoods, and commercial areas.
"At this time, no other municipality in the Triangle offers a combination skate park and pump track," Wall said. "This will also be one of the larger skate parks in the state. With its location - adjacent to Joyner Park, we feel they will complement each other very well."
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP), welcomes the addition as a valuable enhancement to the Town's recreational offerings.
"This will be an excellent addition to Joyner Park, further expanding outdoor options for families and creating a new location for tournaments and competitions," Cannon said. "These amenities encourage greater community interaction by allowing more people to gather., We are truly excited to be the first in the Triangle to offer this new quality of life amenity.”
