“Cannonball!” As summer approaches and pool season commences, residents of Wake Forest and neighboring communities will rejoice in hearing the many sounds of summer at Wake Forest’s new Holding Park Aquatic Center. The Memorial Day weekend opening is highly anticipated as the community has certainly missed having this summer past time in Wake Forest since it closed in 2016.
The first Wake Forest pool & its companion Community House were originally opened in 1942. The initial request to build the pool came from Dr. Neville Isbell and was submitted to the Wake Forest mayor and its commissioners. The federal Works Progress Administration agreed to take on the project utilizing the labor of unemployed men that had lost jobs and income due to the Depression. At the time, the project cost the Town of Wake Forest $12,800 and the Works Progress Administration $67,117. Holding Park playground was NOT an original part of the plans, but was later built when the land was donated to the town.
The pool and Community House were well-received and soon became a regular summer hang-out for many local families. However, as with anything, continual use and changes in technology/systems, upgrades are inevitable. So, after years of wear and tear and an abundance of annual visitors, Holding Park Pool underwent its first major renovation in 1978 when it was expanded to Olympic size.
Beyond that, minor repairs and renovations occurred for over 30 years, such as the replacement of the metal fence and the addition of more extensive landscaping in 2013. Then before the opening in 2014, a $800,000 renovation project was completed and the following improvements were made:
New epoxy floor on the pool deck
New pool shell and fresh paint
New pumps and filters
New tiles and depth marker
New diving board and slide
New ADA-compliant steps
Leaks repaired
Updated restrooms
Complete overhaul of locker rooms
These improvements made a significant difference and were well-received. Unfortunately, more changes were necessary and the problems became too overwhelming when serious deficiencies were discovered in the lining of the pool while preparing for the 2016 season. The pool was closed immediately as the town and its commissioners weighed all options regarding the future of this historical and well-loved landmark. In November 2016, after much research and advice, they decided to construct a new pool at the same site. Yet another challenge was met when, in May 2017, crews realized that the deteriorating pump house could not accommodate the new equipment needed for the three pools. So it was further delayed and added an additional $200,000 to $250,000 to the estimated 2.5 million dollars that was previously approved. Finally, construction began in the fall of 2017. The hope was to open in May 2018; however, bad weather, extreme temperatures, and excessive rain created yet another hurdle and sadly, another summer passed by without the pool opening.
At last, the Town of Wake Forest announced a September 22, 2018 ribbon-cutting and opening with Mayor Vivian Jones to unveil the new, state-of-the-art facility. The public was invited to join this exciting celebration and admission for the weekend was free (capacity was maxed at 300 guests). Residents gathered to rejoice in the long-awaited opening and enjoyed a spectacular weekend at the Holding Park Aquatic Center. The new $3.2 million center includes the following three aquatic features:
3500 sq. ft. competition pool
Six 25-yard lap lanes
One meter diving board
Stair entry
1525 sq. ft. wading pool
Zero entry
Play structures
Play features
780 sq. ft. plunge pool
Two waterslides
Stair entry
Now, as winter has turned into spring, the countdown to the start of the 2019 season has begun and the Town of Wake Forest is bursting with excitement!!! The Holding Park Aquatic Center will open on Saturday May 25, 2019 at 10:00AM. The cost per day is:
Two and under $2 / $1 for residents
Ages 3-12 $6 / $4 for residents
Ages 13-59 $7 / $5 for residents
Ages 60+ $6 / $4 for residents
A pool pass punch card (20 admissions) is available for $100 ($60 for residents) and a parent/toddler swim pass is available for $80 ($40 for residents).
We hope to see you there!
