WAKE FOREST, NC - The Wake County Board of Commissioners (WCBOC) has approved $4.6 million in Hospitality Tax funding for two Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) projects that will expand Wake Forest parks facilities. On February 16, the WCBOC approved $3,891,000 for construction of the Skate Park and Pump Track and $750,000 for Flaherty Park Phase 2.
The two PRCR initiatives are among 12 projects across nine municipalities totaling $23.5 million the WCBOC approved as part of the fiscal year 2026 Hospitality Tax Competitive Project Process. A joint initiative between Wake County and the City of Raleigh, the program is designed to invest in capital projects that drive overnight visitation, tourism-related spending, and long-term economic impact. The Raleigh City Council also voted to approve their portion of the funding on February 17.
Skate Park & Pump Track
In December 2023, the Town of Wake Forest purchased 8.3 acres of land adjacent to Devon Square and E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, with plans to build a skate park and pump track on the property. In early 2024, as a requirement of obtaining grant funding for the project, the Town sought public input via two community meetings and an online survey. In late 2024 the Town received a PARTF (Parks & Recreation Trust Fund) grant in the amount of $500,000 to assist with building the facility. In 2025, after a publicly advertised Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Wake Forest hired New Line Skatepark Inc. to manage the design and construction of its first skate park and pump track. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.
Upon completion, the facility will feature a skate track, pump track, basketball courts, outdoor fitness court, pavilion, restrooms, parking & lighting, and a road extension to Joyner Park Community Center.
Flaherty Park Phase 2
Flaherty Park Phase 2 is a $3.4 million project at JB Flaherty Park, 1100 N. White St. The initiative will include the installation of additional parking, a food truck court, accessible playground, ADA bleachers with shade, bullpens, sidewalks, dugouts with shade, a double batting cage, and brick backstops. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
A 100-acre facility, Flaherty Park currently features a playground with slides and swings, three lighted baseball and softball fields, restrooms, a picnic shelter, the Wegmans Outdoor Fitness Court, two ponds (bank fishing is allowed with proper permits and licenses), four lighted pickleball courts, and eight lighted tennis courts.
Hospitality Tax Competitive Project Process
State legislation approved in 1991 enables Wake County to levy taxes of 6% on overnight stays at hotels and motels and 1% on food and beverages purchased at restaurants and bars countywide. The revenues may only be used to support arts, culture, sports, or convention facilities.
For fiscal year 2026, Wake County and the City of Raleigh received a record 22 applications requesting more than $75 million for nearly $300 million in total project costs. Projects were evaluated based on return on investment, facility demand, project feasibility and readiness, long-term viability, and alignment with stakeholder principles.
Projects had to meet the following requirements for consideration:
- Be fully located in Wake County.
- Construct or improve facilities for sports, arts, culture, or conventions.
- Have a minimum value of at least $100,000.
- Rely on other funding sources to comprise more than half of the total project cost.
- Have a commitment for 50% of the other funding secured.
- Be willing to accept hospitality tax funds on a reimbursement basis.
Funding agreements with awardees will be finalized in summer 2026 and include performance requirements, reporting standards and reimbursement conditions.
For more information, visit https://www.wake.gov/news/wake-county-approves-235-million-hospitality-tax-funds