Holding Park

133 W Owen Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587. The compact five-acre campus includes the inclusive playground, Holding Park Aquatic Center, Wake Forest Community House, basketball court, picnic area, rain garden, and historic pool structures.

A small gravel lot sits across from the Community House, with some legal on-street parking nearby. The campus is compact and parking fills quickly during swim sessions and events; use only signed spaces and follow temporary Town parking plans.

The park and inclusive playground are open daily from dawn to dusk. In 2026 the aquatic center operates seasonally from May 23 through Labor Day with separate session hours; the Community House follows rental and program schedules.

General park, playground, basketball, garden, and picnic access is free. For 2026, aquatic admission ranges from $1-$5 for Wake Forest residents and $2-$7 for nonresidents depending on age; rentals and programs cost separately.

Restrooms are available at the aquatic center and inside the Community House during their operating periods. Do not assume either building is open for every dawn-to-dusk playground visit.

The fenced inclusive playground has wheelchair-friendly entrances and benches, enhanced walkways, smooth rubber surfacing, integrated ramps, sensory equipment, and zero-entry play elements. Confirm aquatic transfer and changing-room details separately.

Holding Park is a compact five-acre destination rather than a trail park. Developed walkways link the playground, aquatic center, Community House, court, picnic area, and gardens; nearby sidewalks connect toward downtown.

The inclusive playground supports varied mobility, sensory, cognitive, and social needs with ramps, swings, spinners, slides, musical play, calm space, and group equipment. The seasonal aquatic center adds a six-lane pool, two slides, and children's water play.

Dogs must remain leashed and waste must be removed; bags and receptacles are provided. Keep pets out of the fenced playground, aquatic center, Community House, basketball court, and food or crowded gathering areas.

Picnic tables and Town charcoal grills are available. Personal gas or charcoal grills are prohibited, and Community House or organized-event use requires a reservation.

Key features are the inclusive playground, Holding Park Aquatic Center, Wake Forest Community House, basketball court, rain garden, pollinator garden, and the large stone retaining wall and stairs that survive from the original 1940s diving platform.

The aquatic center is seasonal and weather-sensitive, with capacity and session rules. Swim meets, private events, Community House rentals, maintenance, storms, and wet or icy playground surfaces can affect parts of the campus while the park remains open.