Opening Spring 2025!
Watch the video for a sneak peek at what's to come!
Hear from the creative minds behind the adventure playground.
Breaking Ground
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 began in fall 2022 and is anticipated to take two and a half years.
Construction
Construction of the Gipson Play Plaza is scheduled to commence the week of October 17, 2022 beginning with construction fencing being installed and contractor trailers moving on-site. Construction is anticipated to take 27-months.
Check out the live feed of the progress below.
The 18.5-acre Gipson Play Plaza construction site includes the former hospital athletic field, area behind Brown, Clark, and Broughton Buildings, and an area at the top of Harvey Hill. Some roads and parking will no longer be accessible. Please see the map below for more information.
View a larger PDF of the Construction Impact Maps.
Project Phases
- Pre-Design Services
- Schematic Design
- Design Development
- Construction Documentation
- Construction <--- WE ARE HERE
Project Contact
Kate Pearce – Planning Supervisor
919-996-4855
kate.pearce@raleighnc.gov
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. This fall, the City of Raleigh project team, led by Engineering Services and Transportation Departments, will be sharing a detailed design plan incorporating recent public feedback.