Joyner Park Community Center earns second AIA Merit Award

The NC Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC) project as the recipient of a Merit Award during the AIA NC Design Awards Program on October 28. The award was given to the Town of Wake Forest and architect and engineer, Clark Nexsen.

This is the second AIA Design Award to be presented to the JPCC. The AIA Triangle Chapter also awarded the center a Merit Award in April.

The AIA Triangle Design Award Task Force is organizing an informal tour of the center on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m.-noon. Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Director Ruben Wall, along with the project designers and landscape architect, will lead small tours around the community center and park. The public is welcomed to participate in the tours which are funded by an AIA Activate Grant and the AIA Triangle.

Raleigh-based architectural and engineering firm, Clark Nexsen, designed the 32,000-squre-foot JPCC which is nestled in E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Designed to blend in with Joyner Park structures and the natural habitat, the facility was planned and constructed in a manner consistent with the park’s natural beauty and rustic feel.

“The acknowledgment of such an important project for the Town of Wake Forest is just one more step in confirming what we already knew – this project is a winner on all fronts,” said Clark Nexsen Senior Architect Jennifer Heintz.

PRCR Director Ruben Wall commended Clark Nexsen for incorporating community input into the facility design.

“The JPCC is a testament to the collaboration of Town officials, the parks and recreation advisory board, staff and citizens working together with Clark Nexsen to develop and provide a truly amazing facility.”

Joyner Park Community Center features a walking track, gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and pickleball, multi-purpose rooms, dance studio and kitchen. A 2014 Wake Forest Bond Referendum initiative, the facility officially opened in October 2019. For more information, including a virtual tour and a current listing of programs and classes, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “JPCC.”