WAKE FOREST, NC – Later today (Friday, June 19), Public Works crews will again install no trespassing signage throughout the 80 acres of undeveloped land in the vicinity of Forestville Road and Foundation Drive - commonly referred to as “Shady 80.”
Over the past several years, crews have installed such signage on numerous occasions, only to have the signs removed or destroyed. Today’s round of installations is in response to increasing numbers of people visiting and often altering the property in ways that are environmentally destructive and potentially unsafe.
Earlier this year, Wake Forest officials learned about large numbers of people riding electric bikes on the property, including well over 60 on at least one occasion. Upon inspection, officials discovered several jumps – some as tall as six feet – constructed throughout the area which presented significant safety and liability concerns for the Town.
Officials also noted the flagrant destruction of several trees and vegetation – a violation of the 2005 grant agreement between Wake County and Wake Forest that requires the property to be maintained as open space and used predominantly for passive recreation.
In late May and early June, Public Works crews removed the jumps, while Wake Forest Police stepped up patrols in the area. Since then, officers have issued verbal warnings to individuals biking and/or disturbing the vegetation and documented those that have been warned.
Wake Forest maintains over 16 miles of greenways in its greenway system for public use. The Town’s designated public greenway in this area is the Smith Creek/Sanford Creek Greenway, which remains open for public use in accordance with posted rules and regulations.
The section of soft trail throughout the “Shady 80” is not part of that designated public trail system and not open to the public. Beginning with today’s installation of the new “No Trespassing” signage, no one will be allowed to enter the property. The signage is intended to clarify that the area is not available for public access or use. This applies to all unauthorized users and activities, including biking, walking, hiking, motorized/electric bike use, and use of any unapproved dirt-jump features.
Wake Forest is in the design phase of building the Town’s first Skate Park and Pump Track on 8.3 acres of land adjacent to Devon Square and E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Avenue. 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. For more information, email Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Director Ruben Wall at rwall@wakeforestnc.gov.