Park Development

Adults in hard hats

A Park in Progress

At 308-acres, the creation of Dix Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create an amazing public space in the heart of Raleigh. Once complete, Dix Park will feature amazing play areas for the young and young at heart, places to unwind, relax and rejuvenate in nature, trails to run, walk and bike, areas to splash in water, spots for our four-legged friends to run and play, and so much more.  But creating a park like this doesn’t happen overnight.  It will take careful planning, dedicated supporters (like you) and great partners to turn the already beautiful Dix Park campus into the park of our future. And it all starts here and now.  

Master Plan

10-Year Plan

Rocky Branch Restoration

This Master Plan priority project transforms urban space into a natural retreat, enhancing aquatic habitats while repurposing a nearby landfill for park amenities and sports fields. Next steps include designing creek realignment, restoration, and amenities from Boylan Avenue to South Saunders Street, with pathways linking Downtown Raleigh to Gipson Play Plaza through the Grove and Harvey Hill.

Rocky Branch Rendering

Completed Projects

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.

10-Year Implementation Plan

Cultural Interpretation Plan 

Stone Houses

Buildings & Site Analysis + Partnerships & Financial Framework

Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel

McBryde Building

Gipson Play Plaza

This is one first major projects to move forward from the Master Plan, which broke ground in 2022 and opened in spring 2025.

Gipson Play Plaza is open – visit this inviting and inspiring public space for all ages with one of a kind adventure and water play, works of art, a civic plaza, gardens and much more. 

Aerial drone image of Gipson Play Plaza

City of Raleigh 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

Western Blvd Bus Rapid Transit

Dix Edge Area Study

Pullen to Bain Water Main Replacement

Healing Transitions Expansion

Drone image of downtown Raleigh

Built By Everyone

This community has an extraordinary opportunity. The chance to create a new public space of this size in the heart of a city is remarkable – and simply unparalleled in the United States. We have never done anything like this before and we won’t ever have another opportunity like this again.

A Community Led Process

Community engagement in the process is critical.  Dix Park must be created by and with the community it serves. Throughout the planning process we will many opportunities for community members to share their ideas and feedback to inform decisions along the way. To stay informed about the latest planning and development news and happenings at the park, please subscribe to our newsletter. To speak to a City staff member about the planning and development of the park, email us at info@dixpark.org.

Support the Progress

Partnerships are also crucial to the creation and long-term success of Dix Park. The progress being made is a direct result of your generous support to the Dix Park Conservancy - our philanthropic and community engagement partner. Want to get involved in the creation of your park? Visit the Dix Park Conservancy website to learn more.