Park Planning

People at the third Play Plaza Public Meeting
Community Meeting
Gipson Play Plaza site plan February 2022

Gipson Play Plaza

One of the first major projects to move forward is the design of the new welcome plaza and play area along Lake Wheeler Road.  The Gipson Play Plaza will be a new, principal entrance to the park.

Construction is underway on the Gipson Play Plaza – an inviting and inspiring public space for all ages with one of a kind play spaces, works of art, a civic plaza, fountains, and gardens. 

Learn more on the Gipson Play Plaza project page.

Rocky Branch Enhancement Project Reach 1 Option A Rendering November 2023

Rocky Branch Enhancement

The City is currently studying the feasibility of restoring and enhancing the Rocky Branch along the northern edge of  Dix Park.  The primary objective of the Rocky Branch Enhancement Project is to create a nature escape for park-goers in the heart of the city, enhance aquatic habitat and ecosystem functioning, and highlight the ecology of the region. The second objective is to provide design input for the adjacent Landfill area for park programs and activities including athletic fields.

Read more about the Rocky Branch Enhancement project.

McBryde Building at Dix Park

Plans & Studies

In addition to large-scale projects, a set of supporting plans and studies are needed to address issues identified but not resolved in the Master Plan process and build a sustainable foundation for the future. These types of studies will not only enable future projects but also establish baseline data to measure future progress. The plans and studies currently in progress:

Cultural Interpretation Plan 

Accessibility Improvements

Buildings & Site Analysis + Partnerships & Financial Framework
 

Drone shot of Dix Park looing towards downtown Raleigh

Area Projects

While not specifically part of the Dix Park development, there are a number of projects supporting the transformation of the park. These projects are led by various City of Raleigh departments and community partners.

Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project

Chavis-Dix Strollway

Dix Edge Area Study

Pullen to Bain Water Main Replacement

Western Blvd Bus Rapid Transit

Healing Transitions Expansion

Planning Meetings
The Chapel

Leadership Committee Meeting

The Dix Park Leadership Committee exists to provide guidance to City staff, the Conservancy, and other partners on the implementation of the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan. The Leadership Committee is supported by City staff and will…