Event details
For kids and families
Location
Gipson Play Plaza
Category
Kids & Family
Event Details
This free bike skills program is designed for kids to learn the most important lesson of riding a bicycle: Balancing independently (no training wheels needed)!
We'll use games and skill lessons to practice balancing, and ultimately pedaling, in a safe and fun group environment. This class will be most appropriate for kids who can confidently walk/jump/talk, follow basic directions, and who don't already know how to balance a two-wheeled bike. Generally, we find that kids ages 5 and up are ready to learn to ride, though we welcome all ages and every child is unique.
Participants will be provided with one of our balance bikes (a bicycle with no pedals or training wheels) and a helmet, if they need one. We'll put pedals on the bikes as children master the balancing aspect. You're also welcome to bring your child's own helmet and bike, which our mechanics will convert to a balance bike for you!
This event is held in partnership with Oaks and Spokes, a non-profit dedicated to transforming Raleigh into a city where walking and biking are safe, accessible, and integral to everyday life.
Registration
Space is limited, registration is required. Registration opens two weeks in advance of each program date at 12:00 pm.
This program is free to the public thanks to Dix Park Conservancy donors.
Know Before You Go
Each participant is provided with a Balance Bike (a bicycle without pedals or training wheels) and a helmet.
You can bring your own bike and helmet.
Oak and Spokes will have a bike mechanic on site to turn personally-owned bicycles into Balance Bikes by removing training wheels and bike pedals. These items are restored on the bicycle after class.
Location: Behind Slide Valley on Biggs Drive.
Gipson Play Plaza Address: 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Via Western Boulevard: Enter at Hunt Drive
- Via Lake Wheeler Road: Enter at Goode Drive
- Via Centennial Parkway: Enter at Blair Drive
- Follow Signs towards Gipson Play Plaza
If there is inclement weather, the program will be canceled and registered participants will be notified by Eventbrite email.
Dix Park is committed to ensuring Gipson Play Plaza, including its amenities and programs, is accessible to all.
Parking & Arrival
- Public Parking Lots B, D, E, G adjacent to Gipson Play Plaza have ADA parking spaces, accessible curb cuts and sidewalks into the park.
- There is a visitor drop-off/pick-up zone near the House of Many Porches Market on Palmer Drive.
Entrances & Pathways
- All entrances and pathways are accessible including ADA grade paths on either side of the Grand Stair.
- The permeable surface of the Sensory Maze and Picnic Grove is accessible.
- A portion of the Picnic Grove surface includes a stabilizing binder for a more stable and level surface.
Playgrounds
- All play areas (Slide Valley, Watermill Mountain, Sand Bowl, Sensory Maze, Swing Terrace) have at grade access points with accessible interactive play features.
- The play towers have an wheelchair accessible route through the first level that includes the sway bridge and transfer platform for the slide.
- Two additional slides have transfer platforms.
- There are three transfer platform access points in the sand play area.
- The mega swing includes nest/basket swings.
Restrooms & Facilities
- Restroom cabanas are fully accessible.
- House of Many Porches Market is fully accessible. Ramps are at the front and back of the building.
- Picnic Grove tables are accessible including spaces for wheelchair positioning.
- Water fountains are accessible.
Service Animals
- Service animals are welcome in the park.
Programs & Events
Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services works with community members to support participation. To request a program modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form or contact Inclusion Services staff at 919-996-2147 or ParksInclusion@raleighnc.gov.
Dix Park Staff can be reached at 919-996-3255 or events@dixpark.org
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