Flaherty Dog Park Large Dog Area Reopens After Fence Repair

The town of Wake Forest reopened the large dog area at Flaherty Dog Park on Saturday, December 13 after crews completed repairs to a fence that was damaged by a single vehicle crash earlier in December. The area was made available to the public at sunrise and resumed normal use until a scheduled closure for planned maintenance beginning January 5.

Town officials said crews prioritized repairs to restore safe separation between park space and the adjacent roadway after the crash. The temporary reopening gives dog owners and park users access through the holiday period, while the upcoming maintenance window is intended to address longer term improvements and routine upkeep.

The incident earlier in the month prompted the park closure and a rapid municipal response to repair the damaged fencing. While the town did not announce additional safety measures beyond the repair work, the episode highlights the vulnerability of green spaces along busy streets and the importance of quick municipal repairs to protect people and pets.

In addition to the park update, Wake Forest issued routine service and safety notices for residents, and reminded the public of event schedules and holiday service changes. Those notices cover municipal operations that commonly shift around holidays, including programming at parks and recreation facilities and other town services. Residents planning visits, pet care, or group events should take the January maintenance closure into account when arranging activities.

The reopening will be a relief for local dog owners who rely on Flaherty Dog Park for exercise and socialization, but the planned January closure means some groups and individuals will need to adjust routines or seek alternative locations during that period. For the latest schedules, closures and event information visit the town website at https://www.wakeforestnc.gov or contact Wake Forest Parks and Recreation for specific questions about programming and maintenance timelines.