Wake Forest Vandalism Could Delay Opening of Dunn Creek Greenway Phase 3

Spray paint on a sign, pavement and fencing along the Dunn Creek Greenway's nearly finished Phase 3 stretch could cost Wake Forest residents more than just money: it may cost them weeks of additional waiting for a trail they were on the verge of getting.

Town communications director Bill Crabtree put the damage at "well over $1,000" and said the tagging occurred sometime between late evening on March 11 and early morning on March 13. The Town of Wake Forest went public with the news on March 16, releasing photos of the graffiti in hopes that someone in the community can identify who did it.

The timing stings for Crowder Construction, the contractor building the greenway extension. Project Manager Nick Nolte said the crew had nearly crossed the finish line. "We were within just a few weeks of opening Phase 3," Nolte said. Because of the defacement, Crowder has flagged the potential for a delayed opening, though no revised timeline has been announced.

Nolte didn't hold back in describing the impact. "It's disappointing that someone would deface these amenities at the expense of the Town and the people who have been looking forward to enjoying this new addition to our greenway system," he said. "Protecting our amenities is a shared responsibility, so we can only hope that anyone who knows the person responsible will come forward."

No arrests have been made and no suspect description has been released. Wake Forest police are asking anyone with information, including anonymous tips, to call 919-554-6150.