Master planning process kicks off with community meetings, survey

Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space is embarking on a comprehensive master planning process to guide the future of its parks, nature preserves and open spaces. This initiative aims to assess current facilities and services, gather community input and identify key opportunities to meet future needs.

The master plan will build upon previous efforts, including the 2008 comprehensive parks and recreation master plan, and align with the County's vision for growth as outlined in PLANWake. As Wake County approaches its 50th year in delivering parks and recreation services, this planning process will help ensure that facilities and programs evolve to meet the needs of a growing population.

“Wake County’s parks and open spaces play an important role not only in our recreation and relaxation, but in our well-being and quality of life,” said Susan Evans, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “This planning process gives residents a chance to share their ideas and help shape a park system that meets the needs of our community today and into the future.”

What is a master plan?

A comprehensive master plan is a long-term, community-directed roadmap that will inform decision-making for the entire Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division. It’s not intended to be a detailed design or proposal for immediate improvements for a specific park, neighborhood or facility.

The master planning process is divided into three phases: Discovery and Assessment (spring/summer 2025), Plan Development (summer/fall 2025) and Final Plan Creation (fall 2025/spring 2026).

The planning team is in the first phase of the project, where they are establishing a foundation of understanding through conversations with residents, staff, partners, stakeholders and other local experts to make this plan the best it can be. Public participation is a key part of the process, and there are several ways to get involved.

Mark your mark on Wake County parks

Five community meetings are scheduled at locations throughout the county. These informal drop-in events run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and are open to everyone. Residents can stop by at their convenience to explore what's possible, speak with staff and learn how they can play an active role in the planning process.

Wake County encourages the community to bring their ideas, insights and creativity to reimagine the types of experiences they’d like to see in parks and open spaces over the next decade and beyond.

• Wednesday, May 14
  New Hill Community Center in New Hill
• Thursday, May 22
  Garner Recreation Center in Garner
• Wednesday, May 28
  Northeast Regional Library in Raleigh
• Tuesday, June 3
  Beech Bluff County Park in Willow Spring
• Wednesday, June 11
  Eastern Regional Center in Zebulon
   

In addition to these meetings, staff will have booths or tables at community events throughout the spring and summer.

Residents are also encouraged to take an anonymous survey to gauge their thoughts on existing amenities and needs and what they’d like to see in the future. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic and Telugu. It should take 5–10 minutes to complete and will be open until June 30.

Full details, dates and frequently asked questions can be found at wake.gov/parks/masterplan.