Furthermore, existing parks and greenspaces can be further enriched by exploring opportunities to add a multitude of small-scale social gathering places including community gardens, playgrounds, neighborhood pocket parks, etc. Effort should be made to equitably provide park and green spaces with universal accessibility. A specific park that could benefit from these aforementioned additions is Ailey Young Park. As the largest park space in the Northeast Community, it will be important to modernize this space to align with the other community park improvements planned throughout the Town.
Further, the Town should continue to implement tree planting programs and identify potential locations for additional tree planting. Trees should be positioned in areas that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a site, but provide ample shade for pedestrians.
Given the rarity of this development pattern within Wake Forest, efforts should be made to preserve the existing design character of the neighborhood by recommending design guidelines and an overlay zoning district to align new construction with existing orientation, massing, height, size, setback, and scale. While the built environment is a significant factor in the look and feel of a neighborhood, trees and other greenery are equally important to community character. On account of this, the Town should continue to identify masses of mature and specimen trees throughout the community and encourage their protection where feasible. This is especially critical for public gathering areas that are, in part, defined by their lush vegetation.
STRATEGY 3. Preserve and share the history of the Northeast Community The story of Wake Forest cannot be told without understanding the history of the Northeast Community. Therefore, it is imperative that local historic sites are identified and that educational programs to tell the stories of these sites are made available. Working with federal, state and local preservation programs, effort should be made to formally recognize and protect these historic sites in the Northeast Community. Moreover, the Town should continue to explore the establishment of a historic district to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood. Historic markers or other interpretive materials should be installed where appropriate to better convey the story and significance of these important sites. One such site of particular importance that would benefit from this is the Ailey Young House. The site can act as a gateway into the community, as well as a place to celebrate the African-American heritage of Wake Forest.
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Lush green spaces around recreational areas provide aesthetic appeal and shade for pedestrians and park users.
Community gardens serve the need towards healthy food production as well community building initiatives
STRATEGY 4. Protect the elements of the
Community (whether physical, social, community- based, or other) that create and define its identity. Being established shortly after the Civil War, the Northeast Community has developed over many generations and thus has established its own unique community character and feel.
Playgrounds provide recreational spaces, while also providing gathering places for a community.
The Northeast Community has a mature tree canopy. Effort should be made to protect specimen trees and add more tree planting program.
Chapter 2: Plan Recommendations
Northeast Community Plan
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