Gipson Play Plaza Project
About the Project
The Gipson Play Plaza project is complete!
The 18.5-acre Gipson Play Plaza project site included the former hospital athletic field, area behind Brown, Clark, and Broughton Buildings, and an area at the top of Harvey Hill.
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Design Reveal
Watch the exciting final design revealed in this presentation!
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The Countdown
Watch the video for a sneak peek at what's to come!
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Play Starts Here
Hear from the creative minds behind the adventure playground.
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Meet Kevin Ensley
Meet the talented stone engraver, who hand carved over 30 stones.
Breaking Ground & Construction
In summer 2022, the City celebrated the groundbreaking for 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. The Gipson Play Plaza is made possible by the Raleigh Community's support of the 2022 Parks Bond, donations to the Dix Park Conservancy and a generous $10 million lead gift from Pat and Tom Gipson.
Construction of Gipson Play Plaza began in October 2022. Gipson Play Plaza will open to the public in Spring 2025. Check out the live feed of the progress below.
Project Information
The City has partnered with team of consultants led by Michael Van Valkenburg.
- Design: Summer 2020—Summer 2022
- Ground Breaking: August 2022
- Construction: Fall 2022—Spring 2025
- Grand Opening: June 2025
This project was made possible by the Raleigh community through their support of the 2022 Parks Bond and by donations to the Dix Park Conservancy, led by a generous gift from Pat and Top Gipson.
Dean Perry, AICP – Senior Planner
919-996-2654
dean.perry@raleighnc.gov
Project Overview
September 2020 - Plaza & Play Executive Summary
Public Meeting #1
October 7, 2020 - Presentation & Virtual Meeting Recording
Project Reports
December 2020 - Plaza & Play Engagement Report 1
Public Meeting #2
January 19, 2021 - Presentation & Virtual Meeting Recording
Public Meeting #3
July 13, 2021 - Opening Presentation & Renderings & In-Person Meeting Recording
Other Presentations
Project update presentations are given at City Council, Dix Park Leadership Committee and Dix Park Community Committee meetings. City of Raleigh Public Meeting Agendas, Presentations and Minutes are available using the city's paperless system. In BoardDocs, click the icon in the top right corner to select the committee you are looking for to view meeting materials.
Adjacent City of Raleigh Projects
Dix Area Edge Study
The Dix Edge Area Study explored affordable housing, public transportation, and other growth factors near the park. Planning and Development Services Department at the City of Raleigh led the Dix Edge Area Study. Final policy recommendations were delivered City Council in spring 2022 and the draft report is available to view.
Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project
Initiated through the Dix Edge Area Study, the Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project creates a more accessible and safer roadway for all along the section of Lake Wheeler situated between the Fuller Heights neighborhood and Dix Park, from South Saunders Street to Maywood Avenue. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.