Parks & Recreation
Wake Forest’s parks system spans 561 acres with 50+ miles of greenways, an outdoor aquatic center, a 32,000-square-foot community center, and seven marquee parks. Here is what is open, what costs what, and how to register.
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System Overview
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department manages 561 acres of parks and open space, plus more than 50 miles of developed and undeveloped greenway trails.
- 5 baseball/softball fields
- 3 soccer fields
- 1 outdoor pool (Holding Park Aquatic Center)
- 8 playgrounds
- 8 lighted tennis courts
- Dog park (Flaherty)
- Multiple community centers
E. Carroll Joyner Park
The 117-acre crown jewel: paved walking, biking, and skating trails (3 miles), an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and the Six Sundays in Spring series, restored historic farm buildings, a pecan grove, formal gardens, and a children’s playground.
- Address: 701 Harris Rd., Wake Forest
- Size: 117 acres (84 developed; 33 acres added for Community Center)
Joyner Park Community Center
32,000 sq. ft. rec center co-located at Joyner Park. Indoor walking track, gymnasium (basketball, volleyball, pickleball), multi-purpose rooms, dance studio, kitchen. Recreation Card required for amenity access (see Rec Card section below).
- Address: 701 Harris Rd., Wake Forest
J.B. Flaherty Park
Athletic fields, basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, playground, picnic shelter, Flaherty Dog Park, an outdoor fitness court, and the Flaherty Park Community Center.
- Address: 1100 N. White St., Wake Forest
Holding Park & Aquatic Center
Seasonal outdoor pool complex with a 6-lane 25-yard lap pool, two water slides with plunge pool, children’s pool, and a concession stand. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
- Address: 133 W. Owen Ave., Wake Forest
- Phone: 919-554-6187
- 2026 season: Opened May 23, 2026 — open through Labor Day
Daily Admission Fees (2026)
| Age | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 2 and under | $1 | $2 |
| 3–12 | $4 | $6 |
| 13–59 | $5 | $7 |
| 60+ | $4 | $6 |
Punch Pass: 20 swim sessions — $60 resident / $100 non-resident. Pre-registration required online via RecDesk (14 days in advance). Walk-ins allowed if space permits — max 200 patrons per 3-hour session. HPAC is not available for private rental.
Register for Pool Sessions →Other Marquee Parks
Wake Forest Reservoir
Scenic 62-acre town reservoir with concrete boat ramp; bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for a quiet paddle. Address: 3109 Wait Ave.
Smith Creek Soccer Center
Three soccer fields, picnic shelter, playground, and trailhead for the 4.85-mile Smith Creek Greenway. Address: 690 Heritage Lake Rd.
Tyler Run Park
Neighborhood park with batting cage, bocce ball court, exercise stations, and open lawn space.
Greenway System
Wake Forest manages more than 50 miles of developed and undeveloped greenway trails connecting parks and neighborhoods. Notable trails include the 3-mile Joyner Park trail, the 4.85-mile Smith Creek Greenway, and the Dunn Creek Greenway.
Interactive Map → Trail Listings → PDF Greenway Map →The Recreation Card (Rec Card)
A membership card required to access amenities at PRCR facilities including the Joyner Park Community Center and the Flaherty Park Community Center. Required for everyone age 11 and older who wants to use the facility amenities.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wake Forest resident | Free |
| Non-resident (individual) | $25 |
| Non-resident (family) | $50 |
| Drop-in fee (without card) | $5 |
| Replacement card | $5 |
How to Register for Programs & Sports Leagues
All recreation programs, sports leagues, and aquatic center sessions register through RecDesk, the Town’s online system. Wake Forest residents get priority — registration typically opens a week earlier than for non-residents.
Open RecDesk → PRCR RecConnect →Athletic Field Reservations
Field rentals and reservations are handled through the PRCR Department.
Annual Events
Six Sundays in Spring
Free outdoor concert series at the E. Carroll Joyner Park amphitheater (701 Harris Rd) — big band, R&B, beach, jazz, and more. Sundays in late April and May, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Friday Night on White
Downtown outdoor concert series on White Street, 6–9 p.m.
2026 lineup:
- April 10 — Bounce! Party Band
- May 8 — Sleeping Booty Band
- June 12 — Night Years
- July 10 — Love Tribe
- August 14 — The Amazing Lounge Lizards
- September 11 — Liquid Pleasure
Related Pages
- Things to Do — regional recreation, breweries, museums, beach day trips
- Cost of Living — after-school program rates and family budgeting
- Public Safety — park rules, trail safety, after-hours contacts
Looking for things to do beyond the parks system?
Our Things to Do guide covers regional recreation — Falls Lake, the Triangle’s museums, breweries, family entertainment, and sound-side beach day trips.