Creating a Nature Escape
Rocky Branch is a creek that runs through the entire north side of Dix Park, along Western Boulevard. This creek is recognized by the Federal government as an impaired stream – meaning that the stream receives excessive runoff pollution and no longer provides its original floodplain and ecosystem to plants and animals. The Dix Park Master Plan has identified this area of the park as a top planning priority.
The goal of restoring the Rocky Branch is to create a nature escape for park-goers in the heart of the city, enhance aquatic habitat and ecosystem function, and highlight the ecology of the region, all while respecting our downstream neighbors.
Rocky Branch’s restoration will also provide design input to support the State’s efforts to close the landfill in a way that is consistent and compatible with the coordinated plan for restoring Rocky Branch and with reusing the landfill area for park programs and activities including athletic fields.
A restored Rocky Branch and repurposed landfill will create a destination within Dix Park that will serve local and regional visitors by providing environmental, recreational, educational, and social benefits.
Feasibility Study
The City has completed the feasibility study for enhancing the Rocky Branch, an impaired waterway that runs along the northern edge of Dix Park.
This study included a stream condition assessment of the Rocky Branch within the park's boundary, a soil/waste assessment of the landfill along the stream bank, and assessment for potential land bridge across Western Boulevard. Also included in the study was the development and evaluation of stream restoration and design alternatives, a land re-use and waste management plan, a green stormwater management plan, as well as community education opportunities.
FEASIBILITY STUDY FINAL REPORT
Next Steps
The Feasibility Study recommends beginning design and construction with the section of Rocky Branch between Boylan Avenue and South Saunders Street. This area would include creek restoration and visitor amenities up the hill through the Grove. Once complete, Dix Park would have a continuous green space between Downtown Raleigh and Gipson Play Plaza.
Schematic design for the 'Rocky Branch & Downtown Gateway' is expected to start Spring 2025.
Project Team
The City hired a team of consultants led by Surface 678, located in Durham, NC to lead the Feasibility Study.
Project Timeline
In 2021, the consultant team began meeting with state agencies, collecting data, and assessing existing conditions of the project site.
The next phase of work kicked off in September 2022 with ongoing environmental and hydrological assessments including work at the landfill. Data collected identified use options for creek alignment and remediated landfill area, green stormwater infrastructure opportunities, and potential impacts and benefits on the watershed at large.
As a result, the consultant team produced a series of conceptual designs and recommendations for the future creek and for the land bridge connection over Western Boulevard. The final report was completed in 2024.
Project Funding
The Feasibility Study was made possible by grants awarded to the City of Raleigh and Dix Park Conservancy:
- Water Resources Development Grant, NC Department of Environmental Quality
- NC Land and Water Fund Grant, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
- Environmental Enhancement Grant, NC Attorney General
- Powerful Communities: Nature Grant, Duke Energy Foundation
Project Contact
Dean Perry, AICP – Senior Planner
dean.perry@raleighnc.gov